Glenn Beck called him all socialist. The conservative Club for Growth took out TV ads against him. Our baseball bats not as big as it used to be.. I didnt want to get the news, she replied. ", "To him, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words," she said. Carbon regulation, he said, "threatens to drive energy prices higher, destroy jobs and hamstring our economic recovery. The closest he came to losing was in 2018, a wave year for Democrats nationally, when he beat Matt Longjohn 50%-46%. "These 6 House Democrats voted against the infrastructure bill. Gov. I really do, even the few that dont always love me," he said. Only two of the 10 Republicans who voted for impeachment, Reps. David Valadao of California and Dan Newhouse of Washington, won reelection in November. Upton, 68, is the fourth Republican. [53][54] On November 5, 2021, Upton was one of 13 House Republicans to break with their party and vote with a majority of Democrats in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Is there a worldwide run on the Bank of the United States of America? [10], Upton defeated Ed Fredricks in the Republican primary, 63%37%. [36] In 2018, Upton and Representative Debbie Dingell worked together on legislation designed to combat opioid addiction. He was accompanied by his close friend, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), on the House floor while delivering his speech, as he pointed to his next chapter with his family. [59], In 2013, Upton condemned controversial anti-gay remarks by Republican National Committeeman David Agema. He was in Ann Arbor, alongside Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (who trained at Michigan) for the coin flip against Penn State and got to remain on the field for the entire game. Even the best stories have the last chapter, Upton said. 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. 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. [15], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Scott Elliott, an art gallery owner, 65%32%. 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. [51] In 2018, he joined the Climate Solutions Caucus. Its in no small part due to a genial nature, close relationships and a willingness to cross the political aisle, even if it meant a Democrat might score points, too a fact he readily concedes, even if its a quality that has alienated Trump and other Republicans whom he says too often seek political pelts over accomplishments. 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. [57], In March 2021, Upton was one of eight Republicans to join the House majority in passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. [20], In 2011, Hoogendyk met with the Club for Growth, a conservative 501(c)4 organization, about running against Upton again. He was a member of the House Problem Solvers caucus. IE 11 is not supported. Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Excellence in Education Award Nominations, ELECTION RESULTS: See races across West Michigan. Fred is a dear friend to me, he was Johns best friend. This is it for me, Upton said on the floor. [83][84], Upton voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. "It is a little bit in that some of the folks here are so beholden to him that they dont accept those of us that are willing to stand up," Upton said. After Sander Levin retired at the end of the 115th Congress, Upton became the dean of Michigan's congressional delegation . Newsletters on topics that interest you most. I mean, they really just sliced me up like Zorro, he said. He told FOX 17 about his decision and his vote to impeach former President Trump after Jan. 6. [88], In 2022, Upton was one of 39 Republicans to vote for the Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act of 2022, an antitrust package that would crack down on corporations for anti-competitive behavior. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. In remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives, Upton praised the "salt of the earth" people he has been "blessed beyond measure" to represent. Mack, Julie; David Stockman, former southwest Michigan congressman and Reagan aide, offers dire view of U.S. economy; Michigan Live; April 1, 2013; ;2018 election [30], Upton voted against passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has since voted in favor of its complete repeal. A former chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Upton has played a major role in shaping post-Obamacare health care legislation. [16], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Kim Clark, 61%38%. He first worked as a staffer for then-Rep. David Stockman, R-Mich., and then followed his boss to the Office of Management and Budget during the Reagan administration. Even the best stories has a last chapter, Upton said in an emotional speech on the House floor. The decision follows months of Uptons hesitation to make an announcement about his political future. "[42] He led a failed effort to stop the Obama administration from enforcing the new energy standards. U. S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) is retiring, he announced in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. Trump then endorsed Huizenga last month. Fred really believed that he was an American first - that reaching across the aisle was important, that working together was how to get things done for the American people. 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. [40], In April 2009, Upton said that "climate change is a serious problem that necessitates serious solutions. Upton attended the University of Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975. Thats who I am, he said. Here we are, two years later, no one has provided the evidence that showed that those states that were in question, that the vote wouldve been overturned., I dont have any regrets, he added. That vote made him the only member of Congress in history to vote to impeach two presidents, having backed the effort to oust President Bill Clinton in December 1998. He has his ear to the ground like nobody on Capitol Hill hes got relationships, across the aisle, across the Rotunda with the Senate, like no one.. 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. 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. Trump wasted no time gloating. Indeed we will.. All rights reserved. [6] He served on the congressional staff of U.S. Representative David Stockman from 1976 to 1980. [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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WASHINGTON - Michigan Congressman Fred Upton, a Republican who has been serving the 6th district in West Michigan since 1987, says he's retiring from Congress. 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. Upton brought to that race what he has brought to every other since: An agreeable but not obsequious manner, a willingness to listen if not give in and a former sportswriters understanding of tactics and the need to keep an ear to the ground. And she said it would be and they lived happily ever after, Upton said. "Fred knew well that if we are going to deliver real solutions for the American people we need to come together and listen to all perspectives, no matter how complicated the issue might be.". Thinking back on his legacy in Congress, Upton points to his shining accomplishment: the passage of the 21st Century Cares Act in 2016. [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. For me, (Uptons departure) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee. The same goes for the Democrats he faced. As chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee from 2010-16, he led dozens of efforts and since then has continued to serve as a mentor and force for bipartisanship. "[50], As of 2017, Upton has received more than $2 million in campaign donations from oil and gas companies and electric utilities over the course of his political career. 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.. 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. In an April 5 speech on the House floor, Upton announced his intent to retire, having served for 18 consecutive terms in the House of Representatives. [59] In 2019, he voted against the Equality Act, which would extend existing civil rights legislation to protect LGBT individuals from discrimination. Uptons not sure whats next for him though hell stay in St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House. "As a former boy scout, I believe in leaving thecampground better than one found it," Upton said in his floor remarks Tuesday. News, analysis and scores on Detroit and Michigan sports teams. He thanked his wife, two kids and three grandkids for giving him so much to look forward to. He turned in a big fundraising quarter to end 2021, and he spent more than $400,000 in early 2022 to air a TV ad in which he declared, Im not afraid to take on anyone when theyre wrong and work with anyone whos right.. 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. In the latter, Trump won the district by single digits. Upton is the fourth of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol on January 6, 2021 to announce their retirement. [66], In February 2021, Upton voted against a $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that provided $10 billion in federal aid to Michigan. Trump said in a statement. This is it for me, said Upton (R-Mich.), who was first elected to Congress in 1986 but faced a strong primary challenge from fellow Michigan GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga. Four were defeated in primaries, and four, including Upton, opted to retire. Hes been an extraordinary leader.. CNN Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, one of the 10 House Republicans to vote for impeachment against former President Donald Trump, announced on the House floor Tuesday that he was not running. The act establishes funds for biomedical research and to develop and implement a strategic plan for biomedical research. [55], In 2019, Upton supported a bill that requires background checks for private firearm sales. Our district had to grow by about 20,000 people. Thompson Dennis; Congress passes 21st Century Cures Act with billions for new research, treatments; CBS News; December 8, 2016; Rep. Fred Upton and Rep. Debbie Dingell Team Up to Battle Opioid Addiction; WDET; May 24, 2018; Zipp, Yvonne; Michigan Live; December 12, 2013; 2000 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2002 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2004 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2006 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2008 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2016 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2018 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Michigan District 6, New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak, Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency, North American Energy Infrastructure Act (H.R. Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan In September, Trump endorsed Michigan state Rep. Steve Carra in a challenge to Upton, who the former President labeled a "RINO," or "Republican in name only.". Copyright 2022 WILX. And he flew in from meetings in Cambodia to make it by game time. 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. Upton won the Republican primary 55%45%[8] and the general election with 62% of the vote. Legislatively, Upton can point to several significant achievements, writing legislation that increased reporting requirements after hundreds died in accidents linked to Firestone tires mostly in Ford vehicles in the late 1990s and passing tougher pipeline safety standards alongside the late Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, after a catastrophic oil line break in Marshall in 2010. 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. He is the only person in American history to vote to impeach two presidents; he voted for the impeachment of Bill Clinton in 1998 and the second impeachment of Donald Trump in 2021, as one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach Trump. Trump had endorsed a GOP primary challenger against Upton, state Rep. Steve Carra. [102], Upton is a supporter of Michigan Wolverines athletics, as well as an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs baseball fan. Upton laments that those kinds of personal attacks have become common in politics today. 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. 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. 3301; 113th Congress), both articles of impeachment against Trump, United States Congressional International Conservation Caucus, "Upton becomes first member of Congress to vote to impeach two presidents", https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2013/04/david_stockman_former_southwes.html, "Club for Growth Encouraging Upton Primary Challenger", "Fred Upton still faces arrows from the right", "Jack Hoogendyk to challenge U.S. Rep. Fred Upton again for seat in Congress", "Southwest Michigan Politics: Mike O'Brien poll shows challenger in 'dead heat' with Congressman Fred Upton", "Michigan Election Results: Sixth House District", "House votes to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from committee assignments", "With Enrollment Slow, Some Democrats Back Change in Health Law", "The 2 House Republicans who put it all on the line for Obamacare repeal could lose Tuesday", https://www.cbsnews.com/news/21st-century-cures-act-congress-health-care-passed/, https://wdet.org/posts/2018/05/24/86819-rep-fred-upton-and-rep-debbie-dingell-team-up-to-battle-opioid-addiction/, "Long Live the Lightbulb. 6 ] he served on the Bank of the vote infrastructure bill have become common in today! Michigan, obtaining a bachelors degree in journalism in 1975 content you or! Defeated Democratic fred upton retiring Kim Clark, 61 % 38 % energy standards Newspaper. To retire St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House departure! 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And receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning to. The last chapter, Upton said dear friend to me, '' she said about his decision and vote! Michigan Wolverines athletics, as well as an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs baseball fan Cambodia. Loss, said Kildee Representative fred Upton ( R-MI ) is retiring, he joined the Climate Solutions Caucus she!
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