Republican voters in Michigan's 8th Congressional District chose Thomas J.Smith as their challenger to freshman Democratic Rep.
Kristen McDonald-Rivet on Wednesday – defying President Donald Trump's endorsement of opponent Amir Hassan -- in one of several House races the GOP hopes will help expand its majority in November.The district stretches across Flint, Saginaw, Midland and Bay City, and has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.Al Lemmo also vied for the nomination.TRUMP-BACKED FIREBRAND WINS ARIZONA GOP GOVERNOR PRIMARY, SETTING UP HIGH-STAKES SHOWDOWNFormer Democratic State Rep.
Kristen McDonald Rivet.Smith was a longtime GM employee, according to his website."We need strong conservative leadership that protects our constitutional freedoms, supports working families, secures our borders, and restores accountability in Washington," he said on his website.Smith reportedly suspended his campaign in July and endorsed Lemmo, according to the Detroit News, while Trump endorsed Hassan and invited him onstage at a recent rally.Hassan spoke then about how many members of his family worked for GM.
"The contrast is clear, the time is now," Hassan said."Protecting America, getting back to the fundamentals… that’s what we’re doing this cycle."HOUSE REPUBLICANS AIM TO TURN DEMOCRATIC CIVIL WAR INTO MIDTERM WEAPONUS Navy veteran and Flint-native, Amir Hassan, launched his Republican campaign for Michigan's 8th congressional district.
(Courtesy of Amir Hassan's campaign)SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTERLemmo, a retired Army automotive mechanical engineer, ran on a pro-life and pro-onshoring platform.DEMOCRATS TARGET MORE GOP HOUSE SEATS AFTER SOCIALIST VICTORIES ROCK LEFT-WING PRIMARIESA voting booth is seen.(Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPSmith recorded just over 50% of the vote by Wednesday morning, and was declared the winner by the Associated Press.Smith told the Detroit News he is "humbl...