In an announcement put forth on Tuesday morning, Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) stated that he will not be attempting to run for re-election in the upcoming 2022 midterm elections. Upton has been the elected representative for the sixth congressional district of Michigan since back in 1987. He is now the fourth Republican from the member of the House who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump who has officially announced their choice to not seek re-election.
“As a former Boy Scout, I believe in leaving the campground better than one found it. I’ve worked with seven administrations, seven house speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp,” stated Upton while on the House floor this past Tuesday. “If it’s good policy for Michigan, it’s good enough for all of us.”
“Even the best stories have a last chapter. This is it for me,” Upton added via an email to his various supporters. “Thanks, again, to the people of my district who placed their faith and confidence in me all these great years.”
As highlighted by Chad Pergram with Fox News, Upton is the “former chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee” and also “was one of 10 GOPers who voted to impeach Trump during the [second] impeachment trial.”
Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), just announced his retirement on the floor rather than run for re-election this fall. Former chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Was one of 10 GOPers who voted to impeach Trump during the 2nd impeachment trial
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 5, 2022
Due to recent redistricting in the michigan, Upton was looking down the barrel of a new primary challenger in the form of Representative Bill Huizenga (R-MI) in the upcoming 2022 elections. Huizenga has already been officially endorsed by Trump.
Back in early March, Trump put forth a release that stated his support of Huizenga:
Congressman Bill Huizenga is doing a terrific job in Congress for the people of Michigan. He is a small business owner, real estate developer, and proud husband and father to five wonderful children. Bill is an accomplished lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan who values hard work, safety, and security. Whether he is helping farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, or protecting our Great Lakes, he always puts AMERICA FIRST. He has fought his entire life to Protect the Unborn, Lower Taxes, Grow Jobs, Secure our Border, and for Election Integrity. I am proud to be working with Bill to Make America Great Again. Bill Huizenga has my Complete and Total Endorsement for the newly drawn 4th Congressional District!”
Upton is known as one of the 10 GOP elected officials to choose to vote for Trump’s impeachment. As we have seen, every one of those 10 individuals has chosen to resign or been primaried.
Along with Upton, Republican Reps. John Katko (NY), Anthony Gonzalez (OH), and Adam Kinzinger (IL) have also given statements concerning their retirement from Congress after casting their votes in favor of impeachment against Trump.
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