On Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, Trump-endorsed Republican Amir Hassan won the primary election in Michigan's 8th Congressional District, setting up a contest against incumbent Democrat Rep. Kristen McDonald-Rivet.

The district, which includes Flint, Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City, has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles. McDonald-Rivet, who was a state senator representing Bay City before her tenure in Congress, won her primary on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026. She previously defeated the GOP's Paul Junge by about six points in the 2024 elections.

Despite President Donald Trump's endorsement of Hassan and his public support at a recent rally, Republican voters chose Thomas J. Smith, who reportedly suspended his campaign in July and endorsed Lemmo, according to the Detroit News. Smith recorded just over 50% of the vote and was declared the winner by the Associated Press.

Hassan stated on his website, "We need strong conservative leadership that protects our constitutional freedoms, supports working families, secures our borders, and restores accountability in Washington." He also expressed being "humbled and honored that Republicans have chosen me to take the fight to Kristen McDonald Rivet," adding, "Protecting America, getting back to the fundamentals… that’s what we’re doing this cycle."

This primary is one of several House races where the GOP aims to expand its majority in the November elections.

Sources