Republicans embrace candidate who dropped out after winning primary
Republicans are consolidating behind Thomas Smith as their candidate in Michigan’s 8th congressional district after he unexpectedly won the primary despite suspending his campaign and raising very little funds. Smith, a retired GM engineer and small business owner with a military background, aims too challenge Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election. His victory is seen as a setback for national Republicans, especially since the district has historically leaned Democratic, though Trump narrowly won it in 2020. Smith received the endorsement of the NRCC and RNC chair, despite being a little-known and underfunded candidate. Meanwhile, Democrat Amir Hassan, who was considered a strong contender due to his veteran background, lost unexpectedly, facing criticism for his campaign’s lack of resources. Hassan accepted his defeat graciously and acknowledged the race as challenging. Experts suggest Hassan’s loss may have been influenced by limited campaign funding and the district’s demographic makeup. the results could impact the GOP’s prospects in Michigan and the broader midterm landscape, but some analysts view it as an opportunity for Republicans to capitalize on district vulnerabilities.
Republicans began to coalesce around nominee Thomas Smith, whose defunct campaign shocked Trump-back Navy veteran Amir Hassan in Tuesday’s primary.
Smith won Tuesday’s primary after suspending his campaign last month, but will now resume his campaign for the swing seat despite raising virtually no money for his bid and otherwise being a nonfactor for much of the race.
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The result is a black mark for national Republicans, who had hoped Hassan’s background as a veteran and law enforcement official could keep the red-trending seat competitive. Hassan appeared on stage and spoke at a Trump rally last week before his surprise defeat.
Instead, Republicans turn to unknown and underfunded Smith, and on Wednesday, the National Republican Congressional Committee offered him its support, congratulating him in a social media post.
“Congratulations to Thomas Smith! Michiganders just chose a retired GM engineer, small business owner & father of three veterans to fight to lower the cost of living in Congress,” the NRCC wrote on X. “Remember to VOTE for Thomas in the General Election on Tuesday, November 3.”
Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters also released a statement commending Smith on his win.
With 99% of the votes counted, Smith brought in 50.4% of the vote, compared to Hassan’s 33.2% and Al Lemmo’s 16.4%. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have not commented on Smith’s victory after previously backing Hassan.
In a handwritten note to the Federal Election Commission last month, Smith wrote his campaign raised just $1,850 through June 30. He said he was filing his paperwork by hand because of issues logging into his candidate portal, as most candidates file electronically.
According to his campaign website, Smith worked as an engineer at General Motors and now owns a salsa company with one of his sons.
“I am humbled and honored that Republicans have chosen me to take the fight to Kristen McDonald Rivet,” Smith said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Speaker 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.”
Michigan’s 8th District is labeled “lean Democrat” by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, despite Trump winning the district by 2 points. McDonald Rivet won in 2024 by roughly 7 points.
A veteran of Michigan GOP politics, when asked what Smith’s candidacy might mean for Republican chances in the district, instead shifted to opportunities in the Senate, 7th District, and the gubernatorial race, a sign of how some are viewing the race with an underfunded nominee.
“The results last night absolutely positions Michigan Republicans advantageously to hold and win seats that prognosticators might have otherwise written off in a midterm cycle such as 2026. … Democrats can’t run from the unpopular opinions of their nominees on their left flank. … Republicans pounce, as they say,” the source said.
Some said Hassan has himself to blame.
A GOP campaign operative told the Washington Examiner that Hassan’s loss came from him not running a “good campaign,” adding that he “had no money.” They added that a Trump endorsement does not go as far if a candidate doesn’t have the resources to “let people know.”
The operative did say, however, that Hassan’s name could have played a factor in a district that is majority white.
Hassan, who is black, roundly accepted defeat and didn’t make any excuses.
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“I fell short last night. I make no excuse,” Hassan said in a video on X. “It was a tough race, but over the last year, I’ve had some incredible dealings with people across the entire district.
“To all the winners yesterday, congratulations. I’m very excited for the top of our ticket, and we will get out and vote,” he added.
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