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

Smith had suspended his campaign on July 17th but remained on the ballot and endorsed fellow engineer Al Lemmo, who finished a distant third with 16.4% of the vote. 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, contrasting with Hassan’s campaign, which raised more than $727,000 through mid-July, according to FEC records.

President Donald Trump had publicly endorsed Amir Hassan on July 28th via Truth Social, stating, “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 his intentions to work with Republican leadership to expand the House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda, saying, “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 unpredictable nature of the race in this swing district.

Sources