Trump-Endorsed Candidate Loses Michigan Primary to Dropped-Out Rival
In Michigan’s 8th Congressional District Republican primary, President Trump’s endorsed candidate, Amir Hassan, lost decisively to Thomas Smith, who had dropped out in mid-July. Smith won 50.4% of the vote to Hassan’s 33.2%, with 99% of ballots counted. The upset highlights waning Trump endorsement power and internal GOP criticism over Hassan’s Muslim background. Smith, who endorsed another candidate, now plans to re-enter the race against Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election.
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Trump-backed candidate loses Michigan primary to opponent who had dropped out
In a surprising turn in Michigan's 8th Congressional District Republican primary, President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, Amir Hassan, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer, lost to Tom Smith, a retired engineer who had suspended his campaign in mid-July. Smith had previously endorsed another candidate who finished third. Following his unexpected victory, Smith announced he would re-enter the race to challenge first-term Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election for the purple district. Smith expressed commitment to working with Speaker Mike Johnson to expand the House majority and advance Trump's America First agenda. The result marks a notable setback for Trump's endorsement power in a key battleground district.
Trump-Endorsed Candidate Loses Michigan Primary to Candidate Who Dropped Out
President Donald Trump suffered an embarrassing political defeat in Michigan's 8th Congressional District Republican primary. His handpicked candidate, Amir Hassan, a veteran and self-proclaimed 'America First Patriot,' lost decisively to Thomas Smith, who had dropped out of the race weeks earlier and ceased all campaigning. Hassan secured only 33.2% of the vote compared to Smith's 50.4%, a margin of over 10,000 votes. The loss was compounded by criticism from MAGA supporters over Hassan's Muslim background, despite him identifying as Christian and expressing strong pro-Israel views. The outcome suggests Trump's endorsement power may be waning. Smith, who previously endorsed another candidate, will now face Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election.
Trump-Backed Candidate Loses Michigan Primary to Opponent Who Dropped Out
President Donald Trump suffered an embarrassing political defeat in Michigan's 8th Congressional District Republican primary. His handpicked candidate, Amir Hassan, a veteran and self-proclaimed 'America First Patriot,' lost decisively to Thomas Smith, who had dropped out of the race weeks earlier and ceased all campaigning. Hassan secured only 33.2% of the vote against Smith's 50.4%, a margin of over 10,000 votes. The loss was compounded by internal MAGA criticism of Hassan due to his Muslim background, despite his identification as a Christian and strong pro-Israel stance. The outcome undermines Trump's claimed kingmaker status. Smith, who previously endorsed another candidate, will now face Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election, though his participation remains uncertain.
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Trump-Endorsed Candidate Loses Michigan Primary to Candidate Who Dropped Out
President Donald Trump suffered an embarrassing political defeat in Michigan's 8th Congressional District Republican primary. His handpicked candidate, Amir Hassan, a veteran and self-proclaimed 'America First Patriot,' lost decisively to Thomas Smith, who had dropped out of the race weeks earlier and ceased all campaigning. Hassan secured only 33.2% of the vote compared to Smith's 50.4%, a margin of over 10,000 votes. The loss was compounded by internal GOP criticism of Hassan's endorsement due to his Muslim background, despite Hassan identifying as Christian and expressing strong pro-Israel views. The outcome raises questions about Trump's influence as a political kingmaker. Smith, who previously endorsed another candidate, Al Lemmo (who got 16.4%), will now face Democratic Representative Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election, though it remains unclear if he will actively campaign.
Trump-Endorsed Michigan Candidate Trails Dropped-Out Rival in GOP Primary
In a surprising Michigan GOP primary result for the 8th Congressional District, President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate, Amir Hassan, is trailing Thomas Smith, who dropped out of the race in mid-July. With 99% of ballots counted, Smith has 50.4% of the vote, while Hassan has only 33.2%. Smith's name remained on the ballot after he ended his campaign and endorsed rival Al Lemmo, who is in third place with 16.4%. The race has not yet been officially called by the Associated Press. The winner will face incumbent Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in the general election. This marks another endorsement miss for Trump, despite his recent successes in other primaries. Trump had made multiple Truth Social posts endorsing Hassan, a former Navy and federal law enforcement officer, and attacking Rivet.