Politics · Aug 5August 5, 2026
Thomas Smith Beats Trump Pick
Smith won a Michigan GOP House primary after dropping out, defeating Trump’s pick.
· Pano rates the coverage Balanced
14 news reports, 1 analysis piece and 3 opinion pieces14 news, 1 analysis and 3 opinion
What happened
Updated Aug 5, 8:15pm ETThomas 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
Kristen McDonald RivetAmerican politician in a battleground district Trump carried by 2 points in 2024.
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Read the coverage
18 articles from 18 outlets. Open any headline to read it on the outlet’s site.
The New York TimesReliableTrump-Backed Michigan Candidate Loses Primary to Rival Who Suspended His Campaign 
The GuardianReliableRepublican who withdrew last month beats Trump-backed rival in Michigan 
Mother JonesMostly ReliableTrump-endorsed candidate loses Michigan primary to man who suspended his campaign 
MEDIAiteMostly ReliableTrump-Endorsed Michigan Republican’s Concession Video Draws Vicious Mockery: ‘Bro You Lost to a Guy Who Dropped Out’ 
TPMMostly ReliableAnalysisThere’s a Bizarre Situation Unfolding in a Michigan Congressional Race
ABC NewsReliableCandidate who dropped out beats Trump-backed favorite in Michigan GOP House primary 
NBC NewsReliableCandidate who dropped out beats Trump’s pick in a battleground GOP House primary 
Straight Arrow NewsReliableTom Smith suspended his Michigan primary campaign. He still won 
The Washington SunReliableA House Candidate Who Dropped Out Beats Trump's Pick in Michigan 
CBS NewsReliableThomas Smith dropped his Michigan House bid last month, but won the GOP primary anyway, beating Trump-backed opponent
Washington TimesMostly ReliableMichigan retiree who dropped out of race scores upset of Trump-endorsed candidate in primary 
FOX NewsMostly ReliableRepublican who reportedly dropped out defeats Trump's pick in key swing-district primary 
Washington ExaminerMostly ReliableRepublicans embrace candidate who dropped out after winning primary 
Daily CallerMixedTrump-Backed Amir Hassan Loses To Guy Who Dropped Out Of Race 
Western JournalUnreliableOpinionCandidate Who Dropped Out of Race Wins GOP House Primary Over Trump-Endorsed Opponent
Donald Trump