Republican who reportedly dropped out defeats Trump's pick in key swing-district primary

Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan won the Republican primary in Michigan's 8th Congressional District and will now face Rep. Kristen McDonald-Rivet.

August 05, 2026 10:47 AM ET A little-known candidate soundly defeated President Donald Trump’s pick for a swing House seat Tuesday despite dropping out of the race one month earlier and barely campaigning.Retired engineer Thomas J. “Tom” Smith had 50.4% of the vote compared to Trump-backed Navy veteran and law enforcem

Tom Smith, who ended his election bid on July 16, has secured the Republican nomination in Michigan’s 8th District over Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan. Smith won just over 50% of the votes, compared to Hassan’s 33.2%, as of Wednesday morning. After Smith dropped out of the race, he endorsed Al Lemmo, who received 16.4% of