Full Breakdown
Trump-Endorsed Candidate Loses Michigan GOP Primary to Withdrawn Rival
8/5/2026, 10:28:24 PM
Core Event: Upset in Michigan’s 8th District Republican Primary
Retired General Motors engineer Thomas J. Smith secured the Republican nomination for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District with roughly 50.4 % of the vote, while President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, Navy veteran and former federal law-enforcement officer Amir Hassan, received about 33.2 %. Al Lemmo, who was endorsed by Smith after the latter suspended his campaign, finished with roughly 16.4 %. The Associated Press and Decision Desk HQ projected Smith’s victory after more than 95 % of ballots were counted.
Background & Context
The 8th District, which includes Flint, Saginaw and Bay City, was won by Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet in 2024 by a margin of just over six points. President Trump carried the district by two points in the 2024 presidential election and posted a “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Hassan on Truth Social in late June.
Data & Statistics
- Vote share: Smith ? 50.4 %; Hassan ? 33.2 %; Lemmo ? 16.4 % (Associated Press, Decision Desk).
- Fundraising: Rivet raised more than $5.6 million through mid-July and reported $4.25 million cash on hand. Hassan’s campaign had about $727,000 on hand, with roughly $104,000 remaining.
- Smith’s finances: an FEC filing showed his campaign raised $1,850 through June 30.
- Timeline: Smith announced the suspension of his campaign on July 17, posted a video endorsing Lemmo on July 18, and his last Facebook activity occurred on July 15.
Official Statements & Responses
- Thomas J. Smith reiterated his intent to work with Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican team to advance President Trump’s “America First” agenda.
- President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “Amir Hassan has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.”
- National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Zach Bannon described Rivet as “out-of-touch” and framed Smith’s victory as a rejection of her policies.
- Michigan Secretary of State’s office did not immediately comment on whether Smith can proceed to the general election despite his prior withdrawal.
Why It Matters
Smith’s win, despite having suspended his campaign weeks before the primary, marks the first instance in the 2026 cycle where a Trump-backed House candidate lost at the ballot box. The outcome highlights the limits of high-profile endorsements when ballot mechanics prevent withdrawn candidates from being removed, and it forces the GOP to reassess its strategy for flipping the 8th District, a top pickup opportunity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Associated Press had not formally called the race at the time of reporting, while Decision Desk HQ projected Smith as the winner. No source has confirmed whether Smith will formally re-enter the race for the November general election, leaving a procedural gap that could affect ballot certification.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Amir Hassan has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social
- “I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and the entire Republican team to expand our House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda to lower costs for working families and make America affordable again.” — Thomas J. Smith
What’s Next
Smith is slated to appear on the November ballot as the Republican nominee and will face incumbent Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet. The Michigan Secretary of State’s office is expected to issue a final certification of the primary results in the coming weeks, which will determine whether Smith’s name remains on the ballot despite his earlier suspension.
