Thomas Smith wins Michigan GOP primary after dropping out, beats Trump's pick

Thomas Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, won Michigan’s 8th Congressional District Republican primary on August 4 with 50% of the vote, defeating Amir Hassan, a former federal law enforcement officer backed by President Trump who received 33%, according to the Detroit News and multiple news outlets.

Smith’s victory is striking because he had suspended his campaign in mid-July but remained on the ballot after the withdrawal deadline had passed. When Smith withdrew, he endorsed Al Lemmo, the third candidate in the race who finished with 16% of the vote.

A ballroom or community center polling location with voting booths and American flags, a few anonymous voters in silhouette, a completed ballot being placed in a machine

The Michigan 8th District, which spans Saginaw Bay and includes Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, is a key battleground. Cook Political Report rates the district as Lean Democratic, and incumbent Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet won the seat in 2024. Smith will now face Rivet in the November 3 general election, though his surprise primary win complicates Republican efforts to flip the seat.

Hassan’s loss extends a pattern of Trump-endorsed candidates struggling in 2026 primaries. According to reporting from The Hill, Hassan’s defeat added to what outlets described as a string of the president’s primary losses this cycle. NBC News noted that Smith, described as a political unknown who raised almost no money for his campaign, defeated Trump’s preferred candidate in a purple district where the outcome could help determine control of the House.

A campaign office or headquarters with blank whiteboards and empty desks, a single discarded campaign button on a desk, overcast window light

Smith’s acceptance of the nomination despite his earlier withdrawal raised questions about the general election strategy for Republicans in a district Trump won but which has trended Democratic in recent cycles. The unexpected result underscores the unpredictability of primary races even when a sitting president backs a candidate.

Sources

Detroit News — primary results, Smith’s vote share and Hassan’s endorsement by Trump
NBC News — Smith’s background as political unknown with minimal fundraising; Trump’s endorsement losses
The Hill — Hassan’s loss as part of Trump’s primary losses in 2026
ABC News — Smith’s background as retired engineer; campaign suspension timeline
Washington Post — Smith’s suspension and Hassan’s Trump endorsement
Politico — Hassan’s loss; Smith’s jump back into general election race
New York Times — district rating and incumbent information
Cook Political Report — Michigan 8th District rated Lean Democratic