Candidate Who Dropped Out Beats Trump’s Pick in Battleground GOP House Primary The results from Michigan's 8th congressional district Republican primary have sent shockwaves through Washington, where President Donald Trump's endorsement is often seen as a golden ticket to victory.
Thomas Smith, a relatively unknown candidate who dropped out of the race mid July, managed to defeat Amir Hassan, the president's handpicked choice, in a stunning upset.
On its face, this election seems like an anomaly – after all, Trump endorsed Hassan, and Hassan lost by 17 points.