LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Thomas J. Smith is the projected winner of Michigan’s Republican primary in the 8th Congressional District, which covers Bay City, Flint, Saginaw and Midland.

As of 10:31 a.m. on August 5, Smith (50.4%) defeated Trump-backed candidate Amir Hassan (33.2%) and Al Lemmo (16.4%), according to unofficial results from the Associated Press.

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Smith had suspended his campaign on July 16 and endorsed Lemmo, but he was still able to win the primary.

Smith released a statement to the Detroit News on Wednesday saying that he was humbled and honored to be chosen to fight against the Democratic nominee. He said, “I look forward to working with Speaker Johnson and the entire Republican team to expand our House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda to lower costs for working families and make America affordable again.”

RNC Chairman Joe Gruters released a statement on MI-08 candidate Thomas Smith saying, “Congratulations to Thomas Smith on a hard-fought, well-earned primary victory. As a small business owner, skilled-trades supervisor, and engineer, Smith understands what it takes to create jobs and deliver for working families. Now, he’s ready to defeat vulnerable Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet, who took credit for President Trump’s historic tax cuts for Michigan families, sold out her constituents to the Chinese Communist Party, and turned a blind eye to violent criminal illegal aliens.” 

The win sends Smith into a November showdown against the Democratic incumbent, Kristen McDonald Rivet.