A Republican House candidate in Michigan who earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump managed to lose his primary on Tuesday evening to a candidate who had suspended his campaign weeks before Election Day.

The Trump-backed Amir Hassan had sought the GOP nomination for the Wolverine State's 8th Congressional District, which includes Flint and Bay City. 

But Hassan lost decidedly to retired engineer Thomas Smith, despite Smith suspending his campaign and endorsing Al Lemmo, who finished third.

Smith ultimately took 50.4% of the vote to Hassan's 33.2%, while Lemmo took 16.4%.

The district is regarded as a toss up and Rep. Kristen McDonald, D-Mich., currently holds the seat.

After his unexpected win, Smith confirmed he would campaign for the general election.

“I look forward to working with Speaker [Mike] Johnson and the entire Republican team to expand our House majority and advance President Trump’s America First agenda to lower costs for working families and make America affordable again,” he said, according to Politico.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.