Retired engineer Thomas J. “Tom” Smith won the GOP primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, August 5, 2026, with 50.4% of the vote, defeating Navy veteran and law enforcement officer Amir Hassan, who had 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 his withdrawal and minimal campaigning, Smith remained on the ballot and carried every county in the district, as reported by The New York Times.

Smith sent a handwritten note to a Federal Election Commission (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 had raised over $727,000 through mid-July, according to FEC records.

President Donald Trump had publicly endorsed Hassan on July 28, 2026, posting 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!”

Before the AP called the primary for him, Smith expressed gratitude and outlined his intentions: “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 the unpredictability of the race despite high-profile endorsements and fundraising advantages.

Sources