A Michigan Republican who suspended his campaign more than a month ago has won the party's primary for the 8th Congressional District, defeating a rival endorsed by President Trump.
Tom Smith, who stopped campaigning in mid-July, won Tuesday's GOP primary, according to multiple news reports. He defeated Amir Hassan, a Navy veteran who had Trump's endorsement. Smith did not run a single advertisement and did not file a campaign finance report, yet he emerged with a decisive victory. One report referred to him as Thomas Smith.
Hassan had been considered a strong candidate because of Trump's backing, and his campaign was active. But voters in the district chose Smith, whose name remained on the ballot even though he had ended his bid. The upset was described as a sound defeat for Hassan and a surprising outcome in a race where the Trump endorsement was expected to be decisive.
Smith's win shows that a suspended campaign can still attract votes, and it raises questions about his next steps. The reports did not specify whether Smith plans to accept the nomination or resume an active campaign. He now advances to the general election as the Republican nominee.