Key facts
- Amir Hassan, endorsed by Donald Trump, lost the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District.
- Tom Smith, who had suspended his campaign and endorsed another candidate, won the primary.
- Smith secured 50.4% of the vote with 99% of ballots counted.
- Hassan received 33.2% of the vote, and Al Lemmo received 16.4%.
- Smith will face incumbent Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election.
- Michigan's 8th District is considered a competitive battleground.
In a surprising turn of events for a key battleground district, Amir Hassan, the Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, lost the primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District to Tom Smith. Smith had previously suspended his campaign and endorsed another candidate, Al Lemmo, but remained on the ballot and ultimately secured a commanding victory with 50.4% of the vote, according to projected results. Hassan garnered 33.2% of the vote, while Lemmo received 16.4%. Smith, a retired engineer, will now face first-term Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the November general election. Michigan's 8th District is considered a competitive seat targeted by Republicans. Hassan, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer, had campaigned with Trump's backing and received support from the National Republican Congressional Committee.