Key facts
- Tom Smith won the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District.
- Smith had previously suspended his campaign and endorsed another candidate.
- Donald Trump endorsed Amir Hassan, who lost the primary.
- Smith secured 50.4% of the vote.
- Smith will face incumbent Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election.
Thomas Smith, who had suspended his campaign last month, won the Republican primary for Michigan's eighth congressional district, defeating Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, Amir Hassan. Unofficial results show Smith with over 50% of the vote, while Hassan received 33.2% and Al Lemmo, whom Smith had endorsed, garnered 16.4%. Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, will now face incumbent Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the battleground district. Hassan, an African American Navy veteran, had campaigned with Trump's backing, but social media commentary suggested Republican voters were apprehensive about nominating a Muslim candidate, referencing Hassan's conversion to Christianity from Islam. Hassan stated that the biggest conservative value is not making excuses, while Smith described Hassan as a 'crypto-Republican.' Smith had filed a handwritten campaign finance letter dated July 12, declaring $1,850 in fundraising, citing difficulties with electronic filing.