Thomas Smith, a retired General Motors engineer and salsa entrepreneur, won the Republican primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District on Tuesday despite having suspended his campaign in mid-July. CBS News projected that Smith secured just over 50% of the vote, defeating Amir Hassan, a Navy veteran and former federal law enforcement officer who had received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Smith had previously withdrawn from the race due to fundraising difficulties, reporting in a handwritten July 12 letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that he had raised only $1,850 through June 30. In the letter, Smith noted technical issues with the FEC’s electronic filing system. Upon his initial withdrawal, Smith released a video endorsing another candidate, Al Lemmo, who finished third in the primary behind Hassan.
Following the results, Smith announced he has revived his campaign and stated he is honored to represent the party in the upcoming contest against incumbent Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet. Hassan, who was the only Trump-endorsed House candidate to lose a primary in the current midterm cycle, stated on social media that he was disappointed but not defeated. During a speech in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Mr. Trump referred to the loss by stating he supported a "good person" who "didn't have much of a chance" because of low name recognition.
The scale of this outcome is reflected in Smith’s reported campaign finances, which totaled $1,850 for the first half of the year. This figure represents a low funding level for a congressional primary winner. Voters in the district will now choose between Smith and Representative McDonald Rivet in the general election. The result marks a departure from the typical success rate of Trump-endorsed candidates in this cycle; Mr. Trump stated his record currently stands at 28 wins and one loss following this primary.
What happens next: Smith will now face Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election. The source did not provide a specific date for the general election. Hassan has not announced further plans beyond his statement on social media. The status of Smith's campaign infrastructure remains to be seen following his statement to the Detroit News that he has revived his bid for the seat.