Salsa-seller shocks Michigan GOP with surprise primary win
Thomas Smith, a retired GM engineer who sells salsa, won Michigan's 8th District GOP primary despite dropping out weeks earlier and spending almost nothing, defeating Trump-backed Amir Hassan 50.4% to 33% (Al Lemmo 16%). Republicans are rallying around Smith as a possible November candidate against Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet. The upset comes amid broader Michigan contest dynamics, including Abdul El-Sayed winning the Democratic Senate primary, signaling a competitive state political landscape.
