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Candidate who dropped out beats Trump’s pick in a battleground GOP House primary
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Thomas Smith, a political unknown who raised minimal funds and had suspended his campaign, unexpectedly won the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, defeating President Trump's endorsed candidate, Amir Hassan.
- Smith secured 50% of the vote, while Hassan received 33%, and a third candidate, Al Lemmo, garnered 16%.
- Despite suspending his campaign in mid-July and endorsing Lemmo, Smith remained on the ballot and was not officially listed as withdrawn by Michigan's election authorities.
- Smith's campaign raised only $1,850 through June 30 and filed paperwork by hand due to technical issues with the Federal Election Commission's portal.
- The GOP aims to flip the 8th District this fall, a seat President Trump narrowly won by 2 points in 2024.
