Trump-endorsed candidate loses Michigan primary to opponent who suspended campaign

Aug 5, 2026

In a significant political upset, Donald Trump-endorsed candidate Amir Hassan lost the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District. Hassan was defeated by over 10,000 votes by Thomas J. Smith, a rival who had suspended his campaign in July but remained on the ballot. The loss marks the first defeat for a Trump-endorsed congressional candidate in 2026. Smith will now face Democratic incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet in November.

Hassan primary defeat

▪In a video posted to X, Amir Hassan conceded his loss, stating "I fell short last night. I make no excuse."
▪Amir Hassan lost the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District to Thomas J. Smith.
▪Amir Hassan is the first congressional candidate endorsed by Donald Trump to be defeated in a primary in 2026.
▪Thomas J. Smith won with approximately 50% of the vote to Amir Hassan's 33%, a margin of over 10,000 votes.

Trump endorsement

▪Donald Trump posted endorsements for Amir Hassan on multiple occasions, including in June and on August 4, 2026, the day before the primary.
▪Donald Trump held a rally with Amir Hassan on July 27, 2026.
▪Donald Trump gave Amir Hassan his "Complete and Total Endorsement" for Michigan's 8th District on his Truth Social platform.

Smith campaign suspension

▪After suspending his campaign, Thomas J. Smith endorsed his rival Al Lemmo, who finished third with about 16% of the vote.
▪Amir Hassan spent over $600,000 on his campaign, while Thomas J. Smith spent no money and had no FEC filings.
▪Thomas J. Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, won the primary despite suspending his campaign on July 17, 2026.
▪Thomas J. Smith's name remained on the ballot because he suspended his campaign after the ballots had already been printed.

MAGA base pushback

▪Amir Hassan's campaign website states he is a Christian who "reaffirmed his commitment to Christ."
▪Donald Trump's endorsement of Amir Hassan drew pushback from some of his MAGA base due to the belief that Hassan was Muslim.

November general election

▪Thomas J. Smith will now face incumbent Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the November general election.
▪In a statement, Thomas J. Smith said he would work with Speaker Mike Johnson to advance Donald Trump's "America First agenda."
▪Kristen McDonald Rivet has represented Michigan's 8th district since 2025 and ran uncontested in her primary.