Thomas J. Smith, a retired engineer who withdrew from the Michigan's 8th Congressional District Republican primary race in mid-July, has won the nomination. Smith defeated Amir Hassan, who had received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in June. As of Wednesday morning, Smith held 50% of the vote, with 99% of precincts reporting.
Despite suspending his campaign and backing another candidate, Al Lemmo, Smith's name remained on the ballot. His campaign reported raising approximately $1,850 to the Federal Election Commission, a figure significantly lower than the $700,000 raised by Hassan. Smith, who described himself as humbled and honored by the victory, has signaled his alignment with Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Hassan acknowledged his loss on social media, stating, "There is no excuse. This was a tough race." He is the first congressional candidate endorsed by Trump to lose a primary this cycle.
The outcome of this primary race complicates Republican efforts to flip the district, currently represented by first-term Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet. The district is considered a key target for Republicans, having voted for Trump in 2024 while electing a Democrat to the House.
The National Republican Campaign Committee congratulated Smith on social media, highlighting his background as a retired engineer, small business owner, and father of three veterans. Little is publicly known about Smith, a longtime Flint resident, beyond his career at General Motors and his involvement in a family salsa business.
Democrats have characterized the result as an "embarrassing upset" and a sign of disarray within the Republican party ahead of the general election. A spokesperson for the Michigan Secretary of State office confirmed that the candidate who receives the most votes will be certified as the winner, regardless of campaign status.