In the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District held on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, retired engineer Thomas J. “Tom” Smith secured a surprising victory with 50.4% of the vote. This outcome came despite Smith having suspended his campaign on July 17 and endorsing fellow engineer Al Lemmo, who ultimately finished third with 16.4% of the vote.

Smith’s main opponent, Navy veteran and law enforcement officer Amir Hassan, who received President Donald Trump’s full endorsement on July 28, garnered 33.2% of the vote. Hassan’s campaign had raised over $727,000 through mid-July, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data.

Smith, who described his campaign as a "late entry" and reported raising only $1,850 through the end of June in a handwritten note to an FEC inspector, carried every county in the district. Prior to the primary results, Smith expressed his intention to work with Republican leadership to expand the House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda, aiming to lower costs for working families.

President Trump had publicly endorsed Hassan, stating on Truth Social, “Amir Hassan has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Michigan’s 8th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Despite Hassan’s strong backing and fundraising, Smith’s unexpected win highlights the unpredictable nature of the race in this swing district.

Sources