WASHINGTON (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 5, 2022) – Facing a fellow incumbent in the August 2nd Primary Election for the newly-drawn 4th US House District in Michigan, Fred Upton called time on his over 30-year Congressional career as the St. Joseph Republican stepped to the podium on the House floor on Tuesday morning.
“Even the best of stories has a last chapter,” Upton said in a halting voice during prepared remarks. “This is it for me. I’ve done the zillions of airline miles back and forth, have signed “Fred” to over a million letters, cast more votes than anyone in this Chamber while here, and by most accounts have succeeded in making a difference accomplishing what I have set out to do with more unfinished work still yet to come. Arthur Brooks recently wrote about the 3 traits most important in life: honesty, compassion, and faith. I’d like to think those same yardsticks were passed along to me by my parents watching now on C-SPAN.
“Someone asked my wife Amey what would be the next chapter? She responded, ‘And they lived happily ever after.’ Indeed we will. I thank Amey, our 2 kids and 3 grandkids for giving me so very much to look forward to.
“Thanks again to the people of my district who placed their faith and confidence in me all these years.”
Although he didn’t officially announce plans for running for an 18th term, Upton did run a television and cable ad buy in March that implied an intent to seek another two years on Capitol Hill, but Upton was apparently running poorly in polling against six-term Zeeland Republican Bill Huizenga for the GOP nomination. Huizenga had the backing of former President Donald Trump, for whom Upton voted for impeachment following the events of January 6th, 2021.
Democrats had targeted Upton in past attempts to flip that Congressional seat, but apparently shied away from challenging Huizenga in previous elections, and with both Upton and state lawmaker Steve Carra now out of the GOP race, it appears that Huizenga may have little trouble at this point in securing reelection this fall.
“I want to thank Fred for his commitment, service, and dedication to Michigan over the years,” Huizenga said in a statement from his office. “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. Fred’s statesman-like legacy will be remembered both in Michigan and our nation’s capital. I wish both he and Amey the best as they start their next chapter.”
“Congressman Upton is a lifelong Michigander, loyal U of M fan, faithful public servant, and family man,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) said in a statement from her office. “He is a passionate advocate for the issues he cares about and never hesitates to showcase his independent streak. Over decades of service, he has protected the Great Lakes and shaped major legislation on energy, the environment, manufacturing, and so much more. Mr. Upton’s leadership is bipartisan, commonsense, and empathetic. We could all learn something from his tenure and strive to live and lead with the values he embodies. I know that Mr. Upton will continue getting things done for Michiganders and leading on the issues that matter most in our great state.”
Upton will serve out the remainder of his term and didn’t immediately announce any future plans after his departure from Congress.
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