Trump-backed candidate in battleground Michigan district loses to opponent who dropped out
Amir Hassan lost to Tom Smith, who had suspended his campaign but is now jumping back into the race for the purple 8th District.
In a pivotal Republican primary within a crucial Michigan district, a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump fell short against a competitor who had previously suspended his campaign. Amir Hassan, a Navy veteran and ex-law enforcement officer from Flint, secured just under half of the votes compared to Tom Smith, a retired engineer.
Hassan showcased his support for Trump in Milford, Michigan, just weeks prior. Smith, who had withdrawn from the race in mid-July, has now decided to challenge first-term Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet for the competitive 8th District. He expressed his intention to collaborate with Speaker Mike Johnson and the broader Republican team to bolster the House majority and champion President Trump's agenda, which includes reducing costs for working families and restoring affordability in America.
McDonald Rivet is among several Democratic incumbents vying for re-election in a district that Trump successfully represented in the 2024 election. However, a GOP insider, speaking under anonymity, noted that Hassan exhibited significant shortcomings as a candidate, and the GOP base expressed reservations about supporting him. While several Trump-endorsed contenders have lost state-level elections this year, such as governorships in Iowa and Georgia, Hassan becomes the first congressional candidate to lose despite the president's backing in this election cycle.
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