Trump-Endorsed Michigan Republican’s Concession Video Draws Vicious Mockery: ‘Bro You Lost to a Guy Who Dropped Out’

Screenshots via X.

A concession speech posted on social media by an unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate drew kudos for his graciousness towards his opponents, but also mockery, as the winner had actually dropped out about a month ago.

Amir Hassan, a former Navy officer and federal law enforcement officer, scored President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the Republican primary for Michigan’s eighth congressional district, but it was not enough to earn him a win Tuesday night, as a majority of the voters cast their ballots for Thomas Smith.

In mid-July, Smith — apparently believing he was trailing in the polls and his paltry fundraising haul left him no path to victory — announced he was suspending his campaign and endorsing another candidate, Al Lemmo.

However, Smith legally remained on the ballot and was one of three options for GOP primary voters in the district along with Hassan and Lemmo.

Late Tuesday evening with 99% of the votes counted, Decision Desk projected Smith had won with 50.4% of the votes cast; Hassan and Lemmo lagged far behind with 33.3% and 16.4%, respectively.

The seat is currently held by Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI).

On Wednesday, Hassan posted a video on his social media with his concession speech.

“Disappointed not defeated,” read the caption. “Thank you to all that supported.”

In the video, Hassan begins by saying he “fell short last night.”

“I make no excuse,” he continued. “It was a tough race, but over the last year I’ve had some incredible dealings with people across the entire district. I’ve learned the issues that we are going through and are facing, and it’s just strengthened my resolve.”

Hassan spoke about his faith, saying, “I know what God has in store for me is something greater, even if I can’t see it right now.”

He congratulated the winners of the primaries and said he was “very excited” for the top of the GOP ticket in Michigan and vowed, “we will get out and vote” and “flip the Eighth.”

The video drew several complimentary reactions offering sympathy and praising him for being gracious and offering a unifying message, including from Fox News personality Rachel Campos-Duffy and convicted felon and former Rep. George Santos (R-NY), whose sentence was commuted by Trump.

That praise, however, was drowned out by a greater number of reactions that absolutely shredded Hassan for not only getting beaten by a candidate who wasn’t even trying to win, but for calling it a “tough race.” Several commented they believed he had lost because of his name, accusing GOP primary voters of bigotry.

A sampling of critical responses is below.

Smith has now a lot of catching up to do. Shortly before he suspended his campaign, he had submitted a note to the FEC saying he had “raised only $1850.” The fact the note was handwritten and mentioned that he had “had no success logging in” to the campaign finance report website further indicates a minimal, if not entirely nonexistent, campaign operation.

Meanwhile, the incumbent McDonald Rivet has raised millions and had $4.25 million cash on hand as of last month’s report, according to The Detroit News.

That last reporting cycle showed Hassan had a bit more than $100,000 cash on hand as of mid-July. Presumably, he continued to fundraise but also spend those campaign funds for the final weeks of the campaign. If there is any money left over, Hassan can use it to help Smith, if he so wishes.

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