Thomas J. Smith

Thomas J. Smith is the Republican nominee, a retired General Motors engineer who co-owns a salsa company. He won the August 2026 Republican primary with about half the vote even though he had suspended his campaign in mid-July, and his name remained on the ballot because ballots had already been printed. His campaign website describes his approach as conservative leadership guided by the Constitution, faith and freedom.[1][2][3][4]

Thomas J. Smith earned a bachelor's degree from Kettering University and a graduate degree from Michigan State University.[1] He worked as an engineer at General Motors before retiring and is a small business owner who co-owns a salsa company, according to news reports.[2][3]

Smith entered the 2026 Republican primary for Michigan's 8th District against Trump-endorsed Amir Hassan and Al Lemmo. He suspended his campaign in mid-July and endorsed Lemmo, but his name remained on the ballot.[2] On August 4, 2026, he won the primary with 50.4% of the vote, ahead of Hassan (about 33%) and Lemmo, and became the party's nominee against Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet. In a statement he said he was "humbled and honored that Republicans have chosen me to take the fight to Kristen McDonald Rivet."[1][2]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.