Thomas J. Smith defeats President Trump's endorsed candidate in Michigan Republican primary
Thomas J. Smith won the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, securing 50% of the vote in an upset victory over the candidate endorsed by President Trump. Despite having suspended his campaign in mid-July, Smith remained on the ballot because his withdrawal occurred after the deadline to remove his name. He defeated Amir Hassan, who received 33% of the vote. Hassan, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer, was the official candidate backed by the administration's top pick for the district. Smith, a small business owner and former General Motors employee, will now represent the Republican Party in the general election against Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet. The administration's endorsed candidate, Hassan, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the other winners. Smith stated he intends to work with the Republican team to advance President Trump's America First agenda to lower costs for working families. The victory disrupts the Republican Party's original plan for the competitive battleground district.