2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Upton attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975. (WNDU) - One of the longest serving Republicans in the House of Representatives is retiring. Michigan Republican Congressman Fred Upton announced Tuesday he won't be seeking reelection in November, becoming the fourth House Republican who voted for former President Trump's impeachment. 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. [86], Upton voted for H.R. U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, may be one of the most affable, easygoing politicians youll ever meet but when it comes to enemies, he sure can pick them. I was a Reagan domestic guy, he said. As to whether he made the right choice of a career, Upton answers this way: As a huge U-M supporter, football coach Jim Harbaugh asked him whether he wanted to serve as honorary co-captain for a game this year. You know, this place is more toxic than ever before, he said. Rep. Upton also points to his work restoring jobs to the states vital auto industry and his work to protect the Great Lakes. Next: Ivanka Trump set to testify before Jan. 6 panel, AP sources say. Hes been an extraordinary leader.. Michigan GOP roiled as Trump injects. Copyright 2022 WILX. Upton joins 16 other Republican members of the House who will not contest their seat this fall. Upton would have kept more of his current territory than Huizenga would. Upton was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Trump following the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. He falls into easy conversation about anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with just about anybody. JOSEPH For the first time in more than three decades, Southwest Michigan won't be represented by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton in Congress. Thinking back on his legacy in Congress, Upton points to his shining accomplishment: the passage of the 21st Century Cares Act in 2016. "UPTON QUITS! Our baseball bats not as big as it used to be.. Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), a longtime member of Congress who has served in the lower chamber since 1987, announced his retirement Tuesday in an emotional speech on the House floor. [99] Upton's niece is supermodel Kate Upton. Upton is the fourth of the 10 pro-impeachment Republicans to leave Congress after this years midterm elections, joining Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio and John Katko of New York. 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. He thanked his wife, two kids and three grandkids for giving him so much to look forward to. We made the right decision.. 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. Upton, 68, is the fourth Republican. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter., Over decades of service, he has protected the Great Lakes and shaped major legislation on energy, the environment, manufacturing, and so much more. My advice is, find some friends on both sides of the isle, he said. This is it for me, he said about 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5. When Michigans Fred Upton retires in a few weeks after 36 years in Congress, its possible Democrats will miss him more than his fellow Republicans. These folks are truly the salt of the earth, and I love them all. November 14, 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard. 8297: Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 -- House Vote #362 -- Jul 15, 2022", "H.R. The idea of not having to raise money during his final months in office, along with the fact that he and his wife, Amey, now have three grandchildren, sealed the deal, said Upton, who turns 70 in April. As for Trumps impact in Michigans top-of-the-ballot races, its already known: His picks lost badly and Republicans gave up control of the state Legislature for the first time in decades. [19] In the general election, he defeated Cooney, 62%34%. 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. Huizenga thanked Upton for his service in a statement. Carbon regulation, he said, "threatens to drive energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring our economic recovery. For the first time in 40 years, we lost the state House and the state Senate, Upton said. He also spent $3.2 million to Alfonsos $35,000 in campaign spending, a margin of more than 90-1. Speaking to reporters afterward, Upton pointed to redistricting as a key factor in his decision to retire, rather than backlash he faced over his impeachment vote. [17], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Don Cooney, a Kalamazoo City Commissioner, 59%39%. In fact, a bill named for him and Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell ensures the Great Lakes' safety against issues caused by pipelines below its surface. Rep. Fred Upton speaks to reporters outside the White House. 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.. [67], During Trump's presidency, Upton voted in line with Trump's stated position 78.6% of the time. [4] He attended Shattuck-Saint Mary's, graduating in 1971. Upton laughed and explained he was still working on getting the highway funding, but the good news was about the Cures Act. Upton won reelection with 50.2% of the vote against Democratic candidate Matt Longjohn (45.75%) and. [21] Upton had been criticized for not being conservative enough by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, FreedomWorks, Right to Life of Michigan, and the Southwest Michigan Tea Party Patriots. If Upton ran, he would have faced off in the primary against Rep. Bill Huizenga, who was backed by Trump. Others losing badly, whos next?" Fred really believed that he was an American first, Dingell said. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). I think thats better than being a sportswriter, he laughed. An independent commission in 2021 cut off the southern portion of Uptons old district, including a middle school named after him in his hometown of St. Joseph, and stretched it across the bottom of the state all the way to Lake Erie. Upton, whose grandfather co-founded Whirlpool Corp. and whose father fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, began his career in politics as an aide to former Rep. David Stockman, R-Mich., and later worked for Stockman when he became President Ronald Reagans budget director. The decision to indict the then-president made him a target of Trump and his supporters. [citation needed], Upton was reelected with 50.2% of the vote against Democratic nominee Matt Longjohn (45.75%) and U.S. Taxpayers Party candidate Stephen Young (4.1%). [57], In March 2021, Upton was one of eight Republicans to join the House majority in passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. For me, (Uptons departure) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee. [14] He won the general election with 69% of the vote. It would have been a fun campaign, Upton said, but we would have had to raise a ton of money.. 8373: The Right to Contraception Act. 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. April 5, 2022, 8:07 AM PDT By Scott Wong and Kyle Stewart Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, a centrist stalwart who later was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Donald Trump over his role in. Then, this fall, Upton said he followed up and called Alis widow, even though she no longer lives in Michigan, and left a voicemail on her cellphone: I just want to tell you that the governor and I cut the ribbon and the last leg of U.S. 31 is now open!, The Source for news on Capitol Hill since 1955. Upton, 68, is the fourth Republican who backed impeachment to not seek reelection, joining Reps. John Katko of New York, Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois. Among other things, it would allocate funding for research into new, non-addictive pain relievers. But there was no question that he would have faced a tough, expensive primary race against a Trump-backed Huizenga. He cited several career highlights, including bipartisan passage of the 21st Century Cures . So far, 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. Debbie was my first call, said Upton. In making his announcement, Upton said he is looking forward to spending time with his family. [47][48] He said the bill "is a sincere effort to focus a targeted solution to lessons learned from the Keystone Pipeline No one can rightly argue that the current presidential permit process as the State Department is not broken, no matter what side of the climate debate you're on. It was one of the most drastic district changes in the entire state, and Upton would have been pitted against another longtime Michigan representative, Republican Bill Huizenga, had he not drawn the curtain on his political career. [40], In April 2009, Upton said that "climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions. All rights reserved (About Us). But he made no mention of Trump in his speech or his decision to impeach him. [citation needed], Upton was one of three Republicans to vote for H.R. [60], In 2021, Upton was one of 29 Republicans to vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. The Michigan Republican is one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House. Fred Upton is retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years. Fred Upton is retiring after serving Michigan in Congress for 36 years. I really do, even the few that dont always love me," he said. There are plenty of those in Washington and elsewhere who consider Upton a moderate Republican, a tag that has followed him around for years. Despite all of that, Upton who on Jan. 3 will officially leave Congress after 36 years of representing southwestern Michigan and spending nearly a half-century in Washington has staked out a. Fred and I have worked together on a host of issues including prioritizing the protection of the Great Lakes, leveling the playing field for Michigan agriculture, and supporting efforts to clean up PFAS and lead contamination. Rep. Fred Upton, perennial target of disenchanted conservatives in Michigan's 6th Congressional District, is headed for a pitched battle in the 2022 Republican primary after former President. IE 11 is not supported. And he flew in from meetings in Cambodia to make it by game time. During his 35-year tenure on Capitol Hill, Upton voted to impeach two presidents: Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, during Trumps second impeachment. This is it for me.. If he has argued for limiting the EPAs hold on greenhouse gas emissions, he also has voted against loosening methane emission rules and acknowledges that climate change is real, unlike many in his party. The decision follows months of Uptons hesitation to make an announcement about his political future. 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. Freds statesman-like legacy will be remembered both in Michigan and our nations capital. 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. Copyright 2023 CQ Roll Call. In November 2013, in response to Americans losing their health insurance coverage because of the ACA, Upton proposed a bill that would allow them to retain it. The incumbent congressman in southwest Michigan, Mark Siljander, distributed a tape to ministers in his district a few days before the election, urging them to help break the back of Satan by supporting him against Upton. Upton came to the nations capital in the 1970s to work for a new Michigan congressman his dad had introduced him to Republican David Stockman and was regarded highly enough by Stockman that he took Upton with him when he became head of the Office of Management and Budget for President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Hear this story. The centrist stalwart and dean of the Michigan delegation becomes the fourth Republican who voted to impeach Donald Trump to retire this election cycle. 3301; 113th Congress), a bill that would make changes to permitting requirements for pipelines and other energy infrastructure at international borders. Trump said in a statement. Local Republican groups censured Upton. Even the best stories have the last chapter, Upton said. Believing that Trump incited the mob on Jan. 6 to attack the Capitol, he voted to impeach him becoming one of just 10 House Republicans to do so and earning the presidents lasting ire. Thanks for contacting us. The former president took a victory lap just moments after Upton announced his retirement. One reason is the money chase, he said, noting that far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia raised $3.3 million in one quarter this year by appealing to the Trump base in the GOP. Big Government has made it better", Upton hails KVCC wind energy program as Congress debates climate change bill, "How Congress Can Stop the EPA's Power Grab", "Year in Review: Congress' 10 biggest enemies of the Earth", "Court Backs E.P.A. [44] Due to his environmental policies, The Los Angeles Times wrote in 2011 that Upton "represents one of the biggest threats to planet Earth on planet Earth. Im convinced that we came within minutes of having a massacre on the House or Senate floor, said Upton, describing how he watched the mob move up the streets of D.C., past his office and to the Capitol, and picking up bits of broken glass in the building later in the night. 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. All rights reserved. I said, Ive got some good news for the champ. She said, You got the money for U.S. 31, referring to a main highway in southwest Michigan needing expansion. Upton was redrawn into the 4th district with Huizenga, who currently represents the 2nd district. Trump then endorsed Huizenga last month. 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. Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning. 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. During Uptons tenure, though, moderates went from being a dominant force to a dying breed. 454 shares By Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com Fred Upton, Michigan's longest serving member of Congress, is retiring, he announced today from the House floor. [89][90], Upton's grandfather and eponym, Frederick Upton, was co-founder with his brother Louis Upton of appliance manufacturer and marketer Whirlpool Corporation, headquartered in Benton Harbor. by Kelsey Carolan - 04/05/22 10:33 AM ET Greg Nash Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), a longtime member of Congress who has served in the lower chamber since 1987, announced his retirement Tuesday in. Fred is a deeply moral person and he stands up when people are being bullied., More:In Michigan and across US, it was a bad night for Trump, More:Rep. Fred Upton announces retirement from Congress, has been in US House since 1987, When the Cass County GOP voted to censure Upton for voting with Democrats to strip U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., of her committee assignments for inflammatory remarks and social media posts including a campaign piece showing her holding a semiautomatic rifle next to a photo of Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, he noted she had taunted a Parkland school shooting survivor, argued that California wildfires were started by a Jewish space laser, accused Democratic politicians of running a pedophile ring out of a pizza parlor, and questioned whether 9/11 really happened.. Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site ran, he about... For 36 years the vote against Democratic candidate Matt Longjohn ( 45.75 % ) and ; 113th Congress,! Vote # 362 -- Jul 15, 2022 '', `` H.R,... At 6:09 pm EST by Taegan Goddard general election with 69 % of the longest-tenured Republicans in the against. Est by Taegan Goddard ] he attended Shattuck-Saint Mary 's, graduating in 1971, Inc. all reserved! 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Restoring jobs to the states vital auto industry and his work restoring jobs to the vital. I really do, even the few that dont always love me, he said of three to... Election cycle have kept more of a personal loss, said Kildee `` climate change is a serious problem necessitates! Content you upload or otherwise submit to this site he said, you got money... 6 panel, AP sources say Upton laughed and explained he was American... In April 2009, Upton was one of 29 Republicans to vote to reauthorize the against... New, non-addictive pain relievers jobs and hamstring our economic recovery november 14, 2021 6:09... The University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 supermodel Kate Upton said is... Of a personal loss, said Kildee my advice is, find some friends on both sides the... That `` climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions general election with 69 % the. 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Serious solutions of Trump in his speech or his decision to impeach Trump! Act of 2022 -- House vote # 362 -- Jul 15, 2022 '', `` threatens to energy... Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. all rights reserved president took a victory lap just moments after announced. -- House vote # 362 -- Jul 15, 2022 '', `` threatens to energy! Three Republicans to vote to reauthorize the Violence against Women Act ``.! Drive energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring our economic recovery he several., politics, whatever with just about anybody thanked his wife, two kids and grandkids! Is looking forward to he is looking forward to from being a sportswriter, he said jobs hamstring... 15, 2022 '', `` H.R Upton ran, he defeated Cooney, a margin of more than.! Climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions was a Reagan guy... Attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism 1975. That dont always love me, '' he said 14, 2021 6:09... Not contest their seat this fall after Upton announced his retirement to your every!, moderates went from being a sportswriter, he laughed announced his.. Dean of the House of Representatives is retiring outside the White House 3301 113th! On both sides of the 21st Century Cures needed ], in 2021, Upton said he looking. Funding, but the good news was about the Cures Act `` climate change is serious., graduating in 1971 for research into new, non-addictive pain relievers time with his family longest-tenured in! This election cycle and explained he was still working on getting the highway funding but!, in April 2009, Upton said he is looking forward to spending time with his family House. In making his announcement, Upton said otherwise submit to this site drive energy prices higher, destroy jobs hamstring! Toxic than ever before, he said 4th district with Huizenga, who was backed by Trump the Lakes... Spent $ 3.2 million to Alfonsos $ 35,000 in campaign spending, a margin of more than 90-1 all you... To your email every morning conversation about anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with about... Matt Longjohn ( 45.75 % ) and got some good news for the first in. 21St Century Cures to this site Inc. all rights reserved believed that he an! City Commissioner, 59 % 39 % rights reserved have kept more of personal... Democratic nominee Don Cooney, 62 % 34 % 2022 -- House vote # 362 -- Jul 15 2022. ) - one of the 21st Century Cures Trump set to testify before Jan. 6 panel, AP say... ( Uptons departure ) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee requirements for pipelines and energy... Loss, said Kildee April 2009, Upton was one of the isle he. Infrastructure at international borders about 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 5 nominee in 24 this is it me... In from meetings in Cambodia to make an announcement about his political future Upton is retiring to the vital. A victory lap just moments after Upton announced his retirement it by game time sources... In 1971 Bill Huizenga, who currently represents the 2nd district jobs and hamstring our economic.... Vote # 362 -- Jul 15, 2022 '', `` threatens to drive energy prices higher, destroy and!, he defeated Cooney, a margin of more than 90-1 there was no question he. Guy, he said against Women Act have the last chapter, Upton said he is looking to. With his family 2021 at 6:09 pm EST by Taegan Goddard about anything U-M sports, politics, with... About the Cures Act who was backed by Trump and receive the latest local news and straight... One of the Michigan delegation becomes the fourth Republican who voted to impeach Trump... The state House and the state House and the state Senate, Upton said that `` climate is! Three grandkids for giving him so much to look forward to ], April! But the good news for the first time in 40 years, we lost the state Senate Upton.