Thomas Smith, a retired General Motors engineer, won the Republican primary for Michigan's 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating a Trump-endorsed opponent despite having publicly quit the race weeks earlier.
Smith captured just over 50 percent of the vote, beating Navy veteran Amir Hassan, who had the backing of President Donald Trump. Hassan received 33.2 percent. Smith's margin exceeded 17 points.
Smith had suspended his campaign July 16, nearly three weeks before the primary. His name remained on the ballot.
Trump's endorsement of Hassan failed to carry the district. The result sharpens a question that has dogged the president's political operation: how much does a White House endorsement actually move votes in a down-ballot primary where a candidate is no longer campaigning?
Michigan Republicans must now rally behind a nominee who was not actively running when voters cast their ballots. Smith advances to the general election for the 8th District seat, and the state party faces the immediate task of building a campaign operation around him.
