Republican who withdrew last month beats Trump-backed rival in Michigan primary

Thomas Smith, who withdrew from the Republican primary for Michigan's eighth congressional district last month, has secured the party's nomination. Unofficial results show Smith garnered over 50% of the vote, defeating both Al Lemmo, the candidate he had endorsed, and Amir Hassan, who received Donald Trump's backing.

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I am humbled and honored that Republicans have chosen me to take the fight to Kristen McDonald Rivet

Smith expressed his honor at being chosen to challenge Democratic incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet in the battleground district. He stated his intention to collaborate with House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican team to expand the House majority and advance President Trump's "America First" agenda, focusing on lowering costs for working families.

Trump had endorsed Hassan, a former federal law enforcement officer and Navy veteran, in June, even appearing with him at a campaign event. Hassan's campaign highlighted his recent conversion to Christianity from Islam. However, social media commentary indicated that some Republican voters questioned the authenticity of his conversion and expressed apprehension about nominating a Muslim candidate.

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I look forward to working with Speaker [Mike] 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

Hassan acknowledged the difficulty of the race, stating in a video posted online, "The biggest conservative value is that we don’t make excuses." Smith, who conducted minimal campaigning, had previously endorsed Lemmo on social media in July, characterizing Hassan as a "crypto-Republican." Under Michigan law, candidates must withdraw by April 24 to have their names removed from ballots.

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It was a tough race, but over the last year I’ve had some incredible dealings with people across the entire district. The biggest conservative value is that we don’t make excuses.

Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, also voiced his intent to "unseat communist comrade Rivet." While the Democratic Senate primary victory of Abdul El-Sayed has drawn national attention to progressive politics in Michigan, Rivet has positioned herself as a moderate, participating in a congressional initiative that embraces capitalism and rejects socialism.

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