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Surprise candidate looks to flip Michigan US House seat with another shocking upset

Saginaw Township poll workers Vincent McMillon and May Wathen help a voter prepare to cast her ballot in the Aug. 4, 2026 primary election.
Cristin Coppess
/
WCMU News
Saginaw Township poll workers Vincent McMillon and May Wathen help a voter prepare to cast her ballot in the Aug. 4, 2026 primary election.

Michigan is home to multiple key U.S. House races this election cycle, and the 8th Congressional District is no exception. The district encompasses the cities of Flint, Bay City, Midland and Saginaw.

Republicans hope surprise candidate Tom Smith can unseat Democratic incumbent Kristen McDonald Rivet. Smith suspended his campaign several weeks before the August primary before claiming the GOP's nomination.

WCMU reporter AJ Jones joins Tina Sawyer to break down the race.

Also on the show, a rundown of the top news stories impacting central and northern Michigan.

Reporting on this episode comes from WCMU reporters AJ Jones, Blace Carpenter, Kenadie Mlujeak, Interlochen Public Radio's Vivian La, MPRN's Colin Jackson and Russ McNamara.

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Read stories from WCMU on our website, and while you're there, find out how to listen to your local WCMU radio station.

This podcast is produced in part by the members of NABET Local 412. This episode of Between the Lakes was edited and mixed by Rick Brewer. Our theme music comes from Gabe Schall and Jack Ecker designed our show art. Mike Horace is our executive producer.

Tina Sawyer is the local host of Morning Edition on WCMU. She joined WCMU in November, 2022.