Trump-Endorsed Candidate Trails in Michigan Primary Race — Even Though His Rival Dropped Out

What Happened on Election Night?

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, voters in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District went to the polls for the Republican primary. The big surprise? The candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump was losing — and the guy beating him had already quit the race.

Quick Timeline

• Mid-July: Thomas J. Smith drops out and endorses Al Lemmo
• July 18: Smith posts Facebook video wearing "Lemmo for Congress" hat
• July 27: Trump appears with Hassan at GM Milford Proving Ground
• August 4: Primary Election Day
• Early returns: Smith 41%, Hassan 29%, Lemmo 22%

Meet the Candidates

Thomas J. Smith — The "Ghost Candidate"

• Early vote share: 41% (winning!)
• Status: Dropped out in mid-July
• Action: Endorsed Al Lemmo, but name stayed on the ballot
• Key moment: Posted a Facebook video on July 18 wearing a Lemmo for Congress hat, saying he was "putting my full support behind Al Lemmo."

Amir Hassan — Trump’s Pick

• Early vote share: 29%
• Age: 40
• Hometown: Flint, Michigan
• Background:
  • Grew up in Flint
  • Served in the U.S. Navy
  • Worked 11 years as a federal law enforcement officer (Dept. of Defense, Homeland Security, Transportation)
  • Moved back to Michigan last year to run for Congress
• Big endorsements:
  • Donald Trump (announced last month)
  • House Republicans’ campaign arm (NRCC) — mentoring and support

Al Lemmo — The Conservative Activist

• Early vote share: 22%
• Background:
  • Anti-abortion activist
  • Retired mechanical engineer at TARDEC (U.S. Army’s Tank-Automotive Research Center in Warren)
• Attack on Hassan: Called him a "trojan horse" candidate who "used to be a Democrat"

The District: Michigan’s 8th Congressional District

Why This Race Matters
Republicans are targeting this seat in the midterms. Both Trump and McDonald Rivet won here in 2024 — making it a battleground district.

Money Talk: Who Has the Cash?

Important Point: The Democratic incumbent has a massive fundraising advantage — nearly 8x more cash than Hassan. This will matter in the general election.

What Happens Next?

1. Finalize primary results — Count all ballots (early returns ≠ final)
2. Republican nominee faces Kristen McDonald Rivet in November general election
3. Key questions:
   • Can the GOP unite behind whoever wins?
   • Will Trump’s endorsement help in the general?
   • Can the Republican close the money gap?

Summary

• Trump-backed Amir Hassan trailed in early returns (29%) in Michigan’s 8th District GOP primary
• Thomas J. Smith led with 41% — despite dropping out weeks earlier and endorsing Al Lemmo (22%)
• Smith’s name stayed on the ballot, splitting the anti-Hassan vote
• Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet waits in November with a huge fundraising lead
• The district is a top GOP target — both Trump and McDonald Rivet won here in 2024

FAQ

Why was a dropout candidate winning?

Because ballots were printed before he quit. Voters who didn’t follow the news closely still saw his name and voted for him.

Does this mean Hassan lost?

Not necessarily — these are early returns. Final counts could change. But it’s a bad sign for a Trump-endorsed candidate.

Who is Kristen McDonald Rivet?

The current Democratic Congresswoman for the 8th District. Former state senator. Won in 2024 by 6.6 points. Has $4.25M in the bank.

What is TARDEC?

Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center — a U.S. Army facility in Warren, Michigan where Al Lemmo worked as an engineer.

Why does this district matter?

It’s a swing district in a swing state. Control of the House could come down to seats like this. Both parties are watching closely.

Source: The Detroit News | Reported by Melissa Burke (mburke@detroitnews.com)