Michigan GOP Primary Delivers Upset as Trump-Backed Candidate Loses in Swing District Race

Thomas J. Smith secured the Republican nomination Wednesday in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District, prevailing over Amir Hassan despite President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Hassan and a recent rally appearance. Smith captured just over 50 percent of the vote in the primary contest, which will determine the GOP’s challenger to incumbent Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in a race Republicans view as crucial to maintaining House control.

The district encompasses communities across Flint, Saginaw, Midland and Bay City and has emerged as a genuine battleground in recent election cycles. Smith, a former General Motors employee, will face Rivet, who previously served as a Michigan state senator representing Bay City before her election to Congress in 2022.

Smith had suspended his campaign in July and thrown his support behind third candidate Al Lemmo, according to the Detroit News, though he ultimately captured the nomination. Hassan emphasized his family’s ties to the automotive industry during the campaign, highlighting what he called fundamental issues facing American workers and national security.

Rivet won her Democratic primary contest Tuesday and will defend her seat after narrowly defeating Republican Paul Junge by approximately six percentage points in the 2022 general election. Smith expressed his gratification at the primary outcome, stating he feels “humbled and honored that Republicans have chosen me to take the fight to Kristen McDonald Rivet.”