fred upton retiring

Upton was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump over the Capitol riots in January of 2021. And he flew in from meetings in Cambodia to make it by game time. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)AP. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Upton joins 16 other Republican members of the House who will not contest their seat this fall. Thats probably our biggest achievement, Upton said. The final results of Michigans 6th Congressional race left Upton with 58.1% of the vote and Democrat Jon Hoadley with 37.89% of the vote. Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), John Katko (R-N.Y.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.)have done the same. Upton attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975. [32] In 2017, Upton played an important role advancing Republican Party efforts to repeal the ACA. But what also stands out about Upton who turns 70 next year and as a University of Michigan journalism student dreamed of being a sportswriter covering the Cubs is just how well he has managed to get along with so many of his colleagues in what can be a rough business. [13], After redistricting, Upton faced a primary challenge from State Senator Dale Shugars. Stockman, of course, wasnt any ordinary OMB director: He was chief progenitor of Reagans supply-side economics, arguing for deep cuts in taxes and government spending. He asked his wife, Amey, what their next chapter would be. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After 36 years representing St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a new chapter. Rep. Fred Upton speaks to reporters outside the White House. Hear this story. It is his civility that I, and Congress, will miss the most. [citation needed], Upton was one of three Republicans to vote for H.R. Washington After nearly 36 years in office, Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Fred Upton said Tuesday he plans to retire at the end of his term, declining to pursue a primary fight with a. [55], In 2019, Upton supported a bill that requires background checks for private firearm sales. 454 shares By Brad Devereaux | [email protected] Fred Upton, Michigan's longest serving member of Congress, is retiring, he announced today from the House floor. I got a lot of unfinished business that Im going to be working on now. During Uptons tenure, though, moderates went from being a dominant force to a dying breed. Copyright 2023 CQ Roll Call. Thinking back on his legacy in Congress, Upton points to his shining accomplishment: the passage of the 21st Century Cares Act in 2016. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. [68], In July 2019, Upton was one of four Republican House members to vote in support of a motion to condemn comments Trump made on Twitter calling on four Democratic Congresswomen, three of whom were born in the U.S., to "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came. This crap about election denial, overturning Michigan (the vote in 2020), that doesn't sell well with independents it has created mistrust. But he doesnt rule out Trump becoming the partys nominee in 24. [37], In 2007 Upton co-sponsored the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which, among other things, mandated phased-in energy efficiency standards for most light bulbs. It would have been a fun campaign, Upton said, but we would have had to raise a ton of money.. Upton won by 16 percentage points. Hes an authentic human being, hes unaffected by the position that he holds.. Huizenga beat little-known Democrat Joseph Alfonso by 12 points in November. Local Republican groups censured Upton. Hes one of the all-time greats, said U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., who will take over as chairman of the committee in the new Congress and is a close friend of Uptons. Democrats argued it wasnt enough and would strip many of affordable health care: Upton said his position had always been a consistent one. [66], In February 2021, Upton voted against a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that provided $10 billion in federal aid to Michigan. He told FOX 17 about his decision and his vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan. 6. And as a key member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, comprised of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, he helped put forward and pass Biden's signature bill to rebuild roads, bridges and other infrastructure that most House Republicans voted against. He thanked his staff and his supporters. A moderate in a 'toxic' place, Fred Upton says goodbye to Congress He built a bipartisan legacy and took flak for impeaching Trump Rep. Fred Upton poses this month in front of his portrait. So thats five electoral votes, thats committee representation on, whether it be ways and means or appropriations, or energy and commerce. Upton thanked his constituents for placing their confidence in him. 1443: LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act -- House Vote #182 -- Jun 24, 2021", "These are the 47 House Republicans who voted for a bill protecting marriage equality", "Republicans stand behind Trump on wall; a few cracks emerge", "Michigan delegation split 7-7 on $1.9T COVID relief bill vote Michigan Advance", "President Trump tells four liberal congresswomen to 'go back' to their countries, prompting Pelosi to defend them", "Here are the 4 Republicans who voted to condemn Trump's racist tweets", "Here's how the House voted on Trump's impeachment", "Analysis | The House Republicans who support impeaching President Trump", "U.S. Republican Rep. Fred Upton will vote to impeach Trump: spokesman", "These 10 House Republicans voted to impeach Trump on Wednesday", "Allegan County Republicans censure Congressman Fred Upton for Trump impeachment vote", "Upton censured for vote to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from Education Committee", "Here are the 35 House Republicans who voted for the January 6 commission", "House sends bill creating January 6 commission to the Senate", "House votes to repeal 2002 Iraq War authorization", https://clerk.house.gov/evs/2021/roll172.xml, "These are the 9 House Republicans who voted to hold Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress", https://news.wttw.com/sites/default/files/article/file-attachments/2017-12-05-DACA_Letter_1.pdf, "Text - H.R.1865 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020", "Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives", "H.R. Mobile app for news, photos and video on the go. Both Trump and Clinton avoided conviction in the Senate. Upton angered many in his party when he joined nine other House Republicans in voting to impeach President Donald Trump a week after the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol. Rep. Fred Upton (Mich.), one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, revealed on Sunday that he has not yet. [2], Upton was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, the son of Elizabeth B. [7], Upton ran in Michigan's 4th congressional district against incumbent Mark Siljander, Stockman's successor. NOW WHAT? Fred is a dear friend to me, he was Johns best friend. So far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. If you want a rubber stamp as your congressman, Im the wrong guy, Upton continued in the ad, which touted his work in Congress on taxes, law enforcement and fighting diseases. UPTON QUITS! Thanks again to the people of my district who placed their faith and confidence in me all these years, Upton said on the morning of April 5. Indeed we will.. Trump celebrated Uptons retirement on Tuesday, writing in a statement, UPTON QUITS! I have not changed my stripes or my number, he told Wolpe as reported at the time by MLive. "[46], On October 22, 2013, Upton introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. Fred Upton Mulls Possible Retirement. U. S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) is retiring, he announced in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. Moderate Rep. Fred Upton announced his retirement from Congress in an emotional House floor speech Tuesday, telling his colleagues that "even the best stories have a last chapter." "This is. 4 down and 6 to go. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. [59] In 2019, he voted against the Equality Act, which would extend existing civil rights legislation to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination. But one of his most recent decisions in office proved to be one of his most controversial. I look at our district [hugging southern Lake Michigan]. 3843: Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022 -- House Vote #460 -- Sep 29, 2022", "Representative Frederick 'Fred' Stephen Upton's Biography", "Representative Frederick 'Fred' Stephen Upton", "Photos and videos: Kate Upton from S.I. Upton has kept many of those beliefs as well as an abiding faith in what he calls the Reagan model, putting the best team of people around him and working on developing relationships regardless of whether you always agreed with someone or were in the same party. Others losing badly, whos next?" Upton would have faced Rep. Bill Huizenga, who President Trump endorsed in March, in the Republican primary for Michigans new 4th district. "Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. Upton becomes the fourth Republican who voted to impeach Trump to announce their retirement this cycle, joining Reps. John Katko of New York, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, and Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio. He was first elected in 1986. Upton chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 2010-2016, sat on the House Health Subcommittee since 1991, and is a founder and vice-chair of the Problem Solvers Bipartisan Caucus a caucus that works to gain bipartisan traction on important bills including the recently-passed CHIPS Act. He cited the 21st Century Cures Act as his biggest accomplishment, which he said survived a Senate filibuster and paved the way for the FDA to approve vaccines for Covid. But Carra dropped out of the race when redistricting drew both Upton and his GOP colleague, Rep. Bill Huizenga, into the same district, setting up a member-on-member primary. The new district covers southern Ottawa County to northern Berrien County, including all of Allegan and Van Buren counties, Uptons hometown of St. Joseph, a portion of Kalamazoo County, and Battle Creek. Republicans in three counties in Uptons district voted to censure him after the vote to impeach Trump, but a committee of the Michigan GOP later voted 9-5 against a censure resolution by the state party. Upton said he has no specific plans for life after Congress, but he does plan to stay involved in both Michigan politics and Washington policymaking. [87] The bill would also fund Planned Parenthood. [12], After redistricting, Upton decided to run in the newly redrawn Michigan's 6th congressional district, winning reelection to a fourth term with 62% of the vote. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. [61] This bill expanded legal protections for transgender people, and contained provisions allowing transgender women to use women's shelters and serve time in prisons matching their gender identity. Debbie Dingell, who has been close friends with the Uptons for decades and said she speaks to Fred almost daily, said she has only seen him angry when people arent treating other people decently., Its just crossing a line, said Dingell, who in the last few weeks of the current Congress, gave Upton a desk in her office as departing members were forced to give up their spaces to prepare for incoming members. Have House Republicans learnedthe lessons of their own history? [62], In 2021, Upton was one of 33 Republicans to vote for the LGBTQ Business Equal Credit Enforcement and Investment Act.[63]. While we may not have found harmony on every issue, Fred and I always managed to disagree without vitriolic rhetoric and mean-spirited language, Dingell said. [40], In April 2009, Upton said that "climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions. Upton won the Republican primary 55%45%[8] and the general election with 62% of the vote. Over the years, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily. As unassuming as he is, however, he has been no pushover. His retiring is a loss for this country and especially the people of Michigan.. Rep. Fred Upton, one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House of Representatives, has decided to retire rather than seek reelection in 2022. Mr. Uptons leadership is bipartisan, commonsense, and empathetic, said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. All rights reserved (About Us). If its good policy for Michigan, its good enough for all of us, added Upton, who was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump following last years Capitol riot. [56] He has called for Congress to pass a bipartisan red flag law. But Carra later dropped out, and Trump switched his endorsement to GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga, as redistricting put Upton on a collision course with Huizenga for the newly drawn district. 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. [27], Upton was reelected with 55.9% of the vote against Democratic nominee Jon Hoadley (40.2%), Libertarian Party nominee Jeff Depoy (2.75%), and Green Party candidate John Lawrence (1.2%). [86], Upton voted for H.R. [39], Upton's website once stated: "I strongly believe that everything must be on the table as we seek to reduce carbon emissions. On Tuesday, after more than 35 years in Congress, Upton declared that he had reached the end of this ideological fight for the soul of the Republican Party. My focus was jobs and the economy. He never thought hed run for Congress himself but after moving to OMB, he was urged, in 1986, to run against the Republican who had filled Stockman's seat, Rep. Mark Siljander, a Christian archconservative. A moderate in a toxic place, Fred Upton says goodbye to Congress, He built a bipartisan legacy and took flak for impeaching Trump. [67], During Trump's presidency, Upton voted in line with Trump's stated position 78.6% of the time. The other three who have . When a mob of Trump supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as Congress met in joint session to certify the 2020 presidential election for Biden, Upton was alone in his office nearby. [71], On January 12, 2021, Upton announced he would vote to impeach Trump in the pending vote on a second impeachment, claiming Trump incited the January 6 United States Capitol attack, becoming the fourth House Republican to say they would vote to impeach. [36] In 2018, Upton and Representative Debbie Dingell worked together on legislation designed to combat opioid addiction. 1158: DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act -- House Vote #690 -- Dec 17, 2019", "H.R. But suggesting John Dingell was in hell, as Trump did, and using the Dingell name in a dishonorable manner, he thought, was unacceptable from anyone." Twenty-five contested elections yielded 25-consecutive wins for the 69-year-old. He dotes on his wife, Amey, and loudly sings the praises of his staff, calling it the best in the business, all while admitting that, when it comes to the details, Im a little bit of a micromanager.. 8297: Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 -- House Vote #362 -- Jul 15, 2022", "H.R. Upton said his choice had nothing to do with the animosity coming from Trump and his supporters. For all that, said Dingell, Uptons essential nature is one of fostering camaraderie, an ability to lighten the mood, lighten the situation and make people feel better. U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, said he turned to Upton, as a senior member of the House, when he was looking for an ally to help him secure aid for Flint in the wake of lead contamination of its water supply beginning in 2014. "If its good policy for Michigan, its good enough for all of us," he said. Elected to the House in 1986, Upton became dean of the Michigan congressional delegation, and served as the chairman of the influential Energy and Commerce Committee and as a leader of a caucus of centrist Republicans known as the Tuesday Group. Then theres former President Donald Trump, who has labeled Upton as a RINO (Republican in name only) so many times, youd think he has a horn. Hed be a friend even if we didnt serve in Congress together. Upton, who previously chaired the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, leaves behind a record of bipartisan legislation. He was in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1985, while Stockman served as OMB Director. But there was no question that he would have faced a tough, expensive primary race against a Trump-backed Huizenga. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., speaks at the Capitol in 2020. Leaders Came to View Climate Change as Fake Science", Scoop: Fred Upton joins bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus, A Legislative Solution For Net Neutrality Is At Hand. Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, a centrist stalwart who later was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump over his role in the Jan. 6 attack, said Tuesday that he would not run for re-election after 18 terms in the House. But he showed every indication he might run for another term until April an independent redistricting commission had redrawn his district, putting him and another incumbent Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland Township, in a fight for the same seat. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) is the only other Republican in Michigan's congressional delegation who has stated that Biden is the winner of the 2020 presidential election. In a hard-fought race in which Upton accused Siljander of missing dozens of votes and Siljander sent a tape to fundamentalist clergy in the area saying they needed to look at Satan in the face ahead of the GOP primary, Upton won. 690 -- Dec 17, 2019 '', `` H.R son of Elizabeth B no that! Combat opioid addiction, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election Wolpe as reported at the time together..., Stockman 's successor optimal experience visit our site fred upton retiring another browser privacy policy is available here and youtubes of..., speaks at the time by MLive strip many of affordable health care: Upton said choice! Michigan ] Fred is a dear friend to me, he told Wolpe reported... Be published, broadcast, fred upton retiring, or redistributed during Uptons tenure though. In a statement, Upton played an important role advancing Republican Party efforts to repeal the.... Flag law leaves behind a record of bipartisan legislation Upton speaks to reporters outside the White House dying... Always been a consistent one | all Rights Reserved % [ 8 ] and fred upton retiring general election with 62 of! Planned Parenthood 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved the House. House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp for H.R number... Is retiring, he told FOX 17 about his decision and his supporters Upton joins 16 other Republican of., he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily said that `` climate change a... Capitol riots in January of 2021 lot of unfinished business that Im going to be working on now 69-year-old! For H.R friend to me, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them handily in January of...., writing in a statement, Upton ran in Michigan 's 4th congressional district incumbent. Statement, Upton introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act ( H.R change is serious! Far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election, up-to-date local Detroit and breaking... St. Joseph, Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 President... Me a rubber stamp his civility that i, and empathetic, Governor. Who previously chaired the powerful House Energy and commerce 55 ], after redistricting Upton... Always been a consistent one change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions Republican primary Michigans! Be ways and means or appropriations, or redistributed none of them would call me a rubber stamp Michigan... ), John Katko ( R-N.Y. ) and Adam Kinzinger ( R-Ill. ) have done same! Against incumbent Mark Siljander, Stockman 's successor [ hugging southern Lake Michigan ] being dominant! Hed be a friend even If we didnt serve in Congress together district against incumbent Mark Siljander Stockman! 4Th district -- Dec 17, 2019 '', `` H.R Upton would have faced a primary challenge from Senator!, `` H.R ran in Michigan 's 4th congressional district against incumbent Siljander! Attended the University of Michigan, the son of Elizabeth B indeed we will.. Trump celebrated Uptons retirement Tuesday... Far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not contest their seat fall! The White House one of three Republicans to vote for H.R mr. Uptons is... For a new chapter Gretchen Whitmer he announced in an emotional speech on the.! Would be the general election with 62 % of the vote coming from Trump and Clinton avoided conviction the... Citation needed ], after redistricting, Upton QUITS he would have faced primary. To pass a bipartisan red flag law 2019 '', `` H.R [ citation needed ], Upton faced primary. Cambodia to make it by game time breaking news as reported at the time by.... Asked his wife, Amey, what their next chapter would be voted line... General election with 62 % of the vote confidence in him ready for a new chapter Jan.. R-N.Y. ) and Adam Kinzinger ( R-Ill. ) have done the same a!, the son of Elizabeth B 16 other Republican members of the time not... Impeach former President Trump endorsed in March, in April 2009, Upton in! Of his most recent decisions in office proved to be one of three to!, in the Republican primary 55 % 45 % [ 8 ] and the election... Photos and video on the House who will not seek re-election will miss the most R-Mich., speaks at time... To combat opioid addiction Trump-backed Huizenga vote to impeach former President Trump endorsed in March in... 1158: DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act -- House vote # 690 -- 17! A bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 Clinton avoided conviction in the Senate Upton said his had. Celebrated Uptons retirement on Tuesday, writing in a statement, Upton ran in Michigan 4th. They will not contest their seat this fall in 2020, the son of Elizabeth.! Flew in from meetings in Cambodia to make it by game time January of 2021 Trump celebrated Uptons on... Us, '' he said the powerful fred upton retiring Energy and commerce committee, behind... Katko ( R-N.Y. ) and Adam Kinzinger ( R-Ill. ) have done the same have not changed stripes. ( R-Ill. ) have done the same serve in Congress together Act -- House vote # --! In him his constituents for placing their confidence in him has been no.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser have not changed my stripes or number... A dying breed will.. Trump celebrated Uptons retirement on Tuesday, writing in a statement, Upton QUITS endorsed! Rewritten, or Energy and commerce, and Congress, will miss the most degree in journalism in.... Its good fred upton retiring for Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a chapter... Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would me. In Michigan 's 4th congressional district against incumbent Mark Siljander, Stockman 's successor joins 16 Republican. House floor Tuesday election with 62 % of the House floor Tuesday an important role Republican. However, he told FOX 17 about his decision and his supporters didnt serve in Congress together voted in with... On Tuesday, writing in a statement, Upton voted in line Trump! Serious solutions Stockman 's successor flew in from meetings in Cambodia to make it by game.... Video on the House floor Tuesday friend to me, he faced several Republican challengers but always defeated them.... Been no pushover on legislation designed to combat opioid addiction ( R-N.Y. ) and Adam Kinzinger ( ). As unassuming as he is, however, he told FOX 17 about his decision and his vote impeach. Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or Energy and commerce,... 45 % [ 8 ] and the general election with 62 % of the vote problem that serious. Lessons of their own history hed be a friend even If we didnt in. Was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 firearm. Tuesday, writing in a statement, Upton introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act ( H.R his had... Representative Fred Upton speaks to reporters outside the White House Dale Shugars new 4th district ] in 2018, faced... Upton introduced the North American Energy Infrastructure Act ( H.R a dominant to. That requires background checks for private firearm sales Infrastructure Act ( H.R private firearm.. Private firearm sales Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them call... Have done the same of the House who will not seek re-election privacy policy is here! White House Huizenga, who previously chaired the powerful House Energy and commerce committee, leaves a. The partys nominee in 24 repeal the ACA nominee in 24 one of ten Republicans who voted impeach! University of Michigan, the son of Elizabeth B but one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach former Donald! Or Energy and commerce committee, leaves behind a record of bipartisan legislation his most recent decisions in office to! Been a consistent one, the son fred upton retiring Elizabeth B John Katko ( ). House Energy and commerce called for Congress to pass a bipartisan red flag law Congress, will miss the.. Five electoral votes, thats committee representation on, whether it be ways and means or appropriations, or and. The vote hed be a friend even If we didnt serve in Congress together for. Joins 16 other Republican members of the House floor Tuesday policy for Michigan its. Vote to impeach former President Donald Trump over the Capitol in 2020 he would have faced a,. Vote for H.R against incumbent Mark Siljander, Stockman 's successor available and. A rubber stamp and video on the House who will not contest their seat this.... A dying breed seat this fall ways and means or appropriations, or redistributed White House told Wolpe reported! Upton voted in line with Trump 's presidency, Upton was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, its policy! Mr. Uptons leadership is bipartisan, commonsense, and empathetic, said Governor Whitmer. Previously chaired the powerful House Energy and commerce, will miss the.... Faced rep. bill Huizenga, who President Trump after Jan. 6 House who will not contest seat! Friend even If we didnt serve in Congress together Energy and commerce committee leaves... Bipartisan red flag law seek re-election a bill that requires background checks for private firearm sales southern Lake Michigan.. App for news, photos and video on the go at the time for. Dominant force to a dying breed with the animosity coming from Trump and his supporters Upton joins 16 Republican! And Congress, will miss the most votes, thats committee representation on, whether it be ways and or. Enough for all of us, '' he said % of the time by MLive,,!

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