A candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump lost a crucial Republican primary in Michigan to an opponent who had already suspended his campaign.
Amir Hassan, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer from Flint, was backed by Trump but finished significantly behind Tom Smith on Wednesday. Just last week, Hassan campaigned alongside Trump in Milford, Michigan.
Tom Smith, a retired engineer, had withdrawn from the race in mid-July and endorsed another candidate who eventually placed third. Smith informed POLITICO of his intention to challenge the first-term Democratic Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet for the competitive 8th District seat.
In a statement, Smith expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican team to increase their House majority and promote Trump’s America First agenda aimed at reducing costs for working families and making America more affordable.
McDonald Rivet is one of more than a dozen Democratic incumbents seeking reelection in a district Trump won in 2024. A GOP strategist, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described her as a “powerhouse” and noted that Hassan had “clear flaws as a candidate.” The strategist also mentioned that the GOP base was hesitant to support someone named Amir Hassan.
This year, a few Trump-endorsed candidates have lost state-level races, including in the gubernatorial contests in Iowa and Georgia. However, Hassan is the first congressional candidate to lose despite having the president’s support in this election cycle.
