Thomas Smith Beats Trump Pick

Smith won a Michigan GOP House primary after dropping out, defeating Trump’s pick.

•Balanced

Thomas Smith dropped his Michigan House bid last month, but won the GOP primary anyway, beating Trump-backed opponent

How racist are GOP voters? This Michigan primary result says it all.

Trump-Endorsed Michigan Republican’s Concession Video Draws Vicious Mockery: ‘Bro You Lost to a Guy Who Dropped Out’

Summary

A neutral summary of the key facts most outlets agree on, drawn from reporting across the political spectrum.

Thomas J. Smith won Michigan’s 8th Congressional District Republican primary with about 50% of the vote after suspending his campaign in mid-July and remaining on the ballot. Smith defeated Amir Hassan, President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate, who finished around 33%, and anti-abortion activist Al Lemmo, whom Smith had endorsed after ending his bid. Smith had raised virtually no money and ran no ads. He is now the GOP nominee against Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet in a battleground district Trump carried by 2 points in 2024.

The Coverage

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Some commentary

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Coverage Angles

Trump rebukeLeans Left

The Michigan 8th District primary delivered a chaotic upset when a candidate who had suspended his campaign beat Trump’s endorsed candidate. The result was an embarrassment for Trump and MAGA, showing limits to Trump’s pull in Republican primaries.