Amir Hassan, a U.S. House candidate in Michigan's 8th District, lost his Republican primary on Tuesday despite receiving enthusiastic backing from former President Donald Trump. Hassan, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer, was defeated by Thomas J. Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, by approximately 17 percentage points.
Smith's victory was unexpected, as he had announced on July 17 that he was suspending his campaign to support another Republican contender, Al Lemmo. However, because Smith's withdrawal occurred after ballots had already been printed, he remained an option for voters. Smith secured 50% of the vote, while Hassan received 33% and Lemmo garnered 16%.
Trump had endorsed Hassan on multiple occasions, including a June post on his Truth Social platform stating Hassan had his "Complete and Total Endorsement." In a post the day before the primary, Trump reiterated his support, asserting that Hassan would focus on economic growth, tax and regulation cuts, and defending Second Amendment rights.
Despite Trump's endorsement, some members of the MAGA base reportedly pushed back against Hassan, with some believing he was Muslim, though his website affirmed his commitment to Christianity. Hassan acknowledged his defeat in a video posted to X on Wednesday, stating, "I fell short last night. I make no excuse. It was a tough race."
Hassan is the first congressional candidate in 2026 to lose a primary despite securing Trump's endorsement. Smith is now set to face incumbent Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election in November.