Retired engineer Thomas J. “Tom” Smith won the Republican primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, securing 50.4% of the vote compared to Navy veteran Amir Hassan’s 33.2%, according to the Associated Press with over 95% of ballots counted.

Smith had suspended his campaign on July 17, 2026, endorsing fellow engineer Al Lemmo, who ultimately finished third with 16.4% of the vote. 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. In contrast, Hassan’s campaign raised more than $727,000 through mid-July, according to FEC records.

President Donald Trump had endorsed Hassan on July 28 via Truth Social, calling it his "Great Honor to endorse Amir Hassan" and stating Hassan "will never let you down."

Before the AP called the primary for him, Smith said in a statement 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."

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