Trump-Backed Michigan House Candidate Loses Primary To Previously Suspended Rival
On Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, Tom Smith defeated Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan in a central Michigan Republican primary, setting up a general election against Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet.[1]
Smith had suspended his campaign in July, endorsed Republican Al Lemmo and did not file a federal campaign finance report before learning he had won.[1] The district voted for both Donald Trump and McDonald Rivet in 2024 and is a stated Republican target, raising the stakes for the fall rematch.[1]
In July, Smith announced he was suspending his campaign and endorsed Al Lemmo, leaving the primary in flux as former President Trump backed Amir Hassan.[1] Republicans had targeted the seat, and Smith's unexpected victory leaves them facing a general election with a nominee who briefly halted his bid.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday morning, August 5, 2026, Tom Smith learned he had defeated Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan in a central Michigan GOP House primary.
- Smith had announced in July that he was suspending his campaign and endorsed another Republican, Al Lemmo, and did not file a federal campaign finance report.
- Smith will now face Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in a battleground district that voted for both Trump and McDonald Rivet in 2024 and is a stated GOP target.
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