Tom Smith is projected victor in Michigan 8th District GOP primary despite suspending campaign
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WNEM) — Tom Smith is the projected winner of the Republican primary for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District — despite having suspended his campaign in July — defeating Trump-endorsed candidate Amir Hassan in Tuesday’s election.
Smith received approximately 50% of the vote. Hassan, who was backed by President Trump, finished second with about 33% of the vote.
Smith suspended his campaign in July and endorsed fellow candidate Al Lemmo. Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds Domonique Clemons said the outcome is uncommon.
“This is a unique circumstance that we don’t see very often,” Clemons said.
Clemons said Smith’s name remained on the ballot despite the suspension.
“They are still legally on the ballot. They are still legally a candidate. They’ve just verbalized that they’re no longer campaigning,” Clemons said.
Election officials in Genesee County were certifying Tuesday’s ballots as of the report. Clemons said Smith’s name will appear on the November gene…