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Thomas J. Smith wins Michigan GOP primary despite withdrawing from the race before the election

Thomas J. Smith won the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District after withdrawing from the race in mid-July. Despite his late withdrawal, Smith remained on the ballot and secured 50% of the vote, defeating the candidate endorsed by President Trump, Amir Hassan, who finished with 33%. A third candidate, Al Lemmo, took 16% of the vote. Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, campaigned with minimal funding and little active campaigning in the final weeks. He endorsed Al Lemmo when he withdrew, but the ballot remained unchanged due to the deadline for name removal. The administration announced that President Trump had endorsed Amir Hassan, a military veteran and former federal law enforcement officer, to take on the Democratic incumbent, Kristen McDonald Rivet. While Smith's victory is a surprise to many, he expressed honor in being chosen by the Republican Party. He intends to work with the House Republican team to advance President Trump's 'America First' agenda. Smith will face Kristen McDonald Rivet in the fall, aiming to unseat the Democratic representative in the battleground district.

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