Retired engineer Thomas J. “Tom” Smith won the Republican primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, with 50.4% of the vote, defeating Trump-backed Navy veteran and law enforcement officer Amir Hassan, who received 33.2%, according to the Associated Press with over 95% of ballots counted.

Smith had officially suspended his campaign on July 17, 2026, and endorsed fellow engineer Al Lemmo, who finished a distant third with 16.4% of the vote, per the AP. Despite dropping out and minimal campaigning, Smith carried every county in the district, as reported by The New York Times.

Smith sent a handwritten note to an FEC inspector in July stating his campaign was a late entry and had raised only $1,850 through the end of June, according to a screenshot posted to X by CNN’s Patrick Svitek. In contrast, Hassan’s campaign raised more than $727,000 through mid-July, according to FEC filings.

President Donald Trump had publicly endorsed Hassan on July 28 via Truth Social, writing, “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! It is my Great Honor to endorse Amir Hassan, who is running to represent the fantastic people of Michigan’s 8th Congressional District!”

Before the AP called the primary for him, Smith stated in a message reported by The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer, “I am humbled and honored. I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and the entire Republican team to expand our House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda to lower costs for working families and make America affordable again.”

Smith’s unexpected victory highlights a surprising outcome in a key swing district, where the endorsed candidate was defeated by a contender who had already exited the race.

Sources