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. Others losing badly, whos next?" Looking back on his career, Upton talks proudly about legislative accomplishments like the 21st Century Cures Act one of the last bills President Barack Obama signed into law in 2016 which increased funding for health research and sped up approvals of drugs and medical devices at the Food and Drug Administration. 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. 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. Redrawn into the 4th district, Upton did not seek reelection in 2022, and retired from Congress upon his 18th term's expiration in 2023. During Uptons tenure, though, moderates went from being a dominant force to a dying breed. Fred really believed that he was an American first, Dingell said. Upton defeated Shugars 66%32%. People dont really care if you have an R or a D, they just want the job done.. Upton won by 16 percentage points. Kyle Stewart is an associate producer covering Congress for NBC News. For me, (Uptons departure) is more of a personal loss, said Kildee. Even the best stories have the last chapter, Upton said. Longtime Michigan Rep. Fred Upton, one of the 10 House Republicans to vote to impeach former President Donald Trump after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, announced Tuesday he will not. Michigan Democrats were also affected by redistricting, with Rep. Brenda Lawrence announcing her retirement in January after her hometown was drawn into a district currently represented by fellow Democrat Debbie Dingell. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) spoke on the floor following Uptons announcement, asking for more of her colleagues to work across the aisle like Upton did. [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. He falls into easy conversation about anything U-M sports, politics, whatever with just about anybody. Trump celebrated Uptons retirement on Tuesday, writing in a statement, UPTON QUITS! 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. Bipartisanship cripples legislative efforts, and even Michigans political landscape has changed drastically. My district was cut like Zorro three different ways, the Michigan Republican told reporters. who on Jan. 3 will officially leave Congress, bill to rebuild roads, bridges and other infrastructure, In Michigan and across US, it was a bad night for Trump, Rep. Fred Upton announces retirement from Congress, has been in US House since 1987, secure aid for Flint in the wake of lead contamination, His picks lost badly and Republicans gave up control, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "Ive worked with seven administrations, seven House speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. 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. One important effect of this legislation was to pave the way for faster vaccine approval, including the first Pfizer vaccine produced in Kalamazoo, Upton said. ", "To him, bipartisan and compromise are not forbidden words," she said. Debbie was my first call, said Upton. Next: Ivanka Trump set to testify before Jan. 6 panel, AP sources say. 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. For a time, it appeared that running in the redrawn district was Uptons plan. [6] He is a member of the Emil Verban Society.[99]. Freds statesman-like legacy will be remembered both in Michigan and our nations capital. Upton agreed with Trump on many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and immigration reform. [87] The bill would also fund Planned Parenthood. NOW WHAT? But one of his most recent decisions in office proved to be one of his most controversial. 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. [78], In June 2021, Upton was one of 49 House Republicans to vote to repeal the AUMF against Iraq. 31 Democrats have announced they will not seek re-election. 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). [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. Hear this story. For other persons with similar names, see, Early life, education, and early political career. Hes a good person, said Ornstein. [5] He earned a B.A. [16], Upton defeated Democratic nominee Kim Clark, 61%38%. 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. [65], In 2019, during the 116th Congress, Upton broke with his party, one of seven Republicans to side with Democrats by voting for legislation that would fund government services and end a shutdown. 8297: Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022 -- House Vote #362 -- Jul 15, 2022", "H.R. Rep. Fred Upton, one of the longest-tenured Republicans in the House of Representatives, has decided to retire rather than seek reelection in 2022. Someone asked my wife, Amy, what would be the next chapter? the outgoing lawmaker concluded, choking up as he spoke. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), 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 that he has not yet decided if he will run for reelection in 2022, The Hill reports. Everything must be on the table. [72][73] He ultimately did so alongside nine other Republicans on January 13. I look at our district [hugging southern Lake Michigan]. He is a fiscal conservative and an abortion opponent who has also voted multiple times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. I know that Mr. Upton will continue getting things done for Michiganders and leading on the issues that matter most in our great state.. I mean, they really just sliced me up like Zorro, he said. He thanked his staff and his supporters. He is one of the greatest Michiganders to serve our country., Congressman Bill Huizenga, who would have run against Upton in his next election, said, I want to thank Fred for his commitment, service, and dedication to Michigan over the years. [64] The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, and protect the free exercise of religion. Hes known as a problem solver, said McMorris Rodgers. These 13 Republicans voted for it", "Gun background check bill has bipartisan support in Michigan delegation", "The eight Republicans who voted to tighten background checks on guns", "Do homophobic attack ads work? 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. My advice is, find some friends on both sides of the isle, he said. 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. 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. Last year, some of the criticism aimed at Upton turned extreme after he became one of the 13 Republicans to vote for the infrastructure bill. [77] Before the vote, he was one of few Republican lawmakers to openly express support for the commission. 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.". GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. For almost four decades, Southwest Michigan constituents have known only one congressman: Fred Upton. For that achievement worth billions to Michigan he received death threats. U. S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) is retiring, he announced in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday. "[45], In 2012, Upton, as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that Congress's refusal to set greenhouse gas limits "constituted a decision and that lawmakers should act now to reverse the EPA emissions rules." "If its good policy for Michigan, its good enough for all of us," he said. I think thats better than being a sportswriter, he laughed. [43], Upton and Ed Whitfield co-sponsored H.R. By: Doug Reardon Posted. The late Rush Limbaugh savaged him on his radio show more than a decade ago for embracing more efficient lightbulbs and being too willing to work with Democrats. [citation needed], Upton was one of three Republicans to vote for H.R. (ne Vial) and Stephen Edward Upton (19242022[3]). One of the longest serving Republicans in the House, Upton has decided to retire . 4 down and 6 to go. Exclusive podcasts from our top journalists. The same goes for the Democrats he faced. Asked if it was discouraging to be one of only 29 House Republicans in the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of members equally divided between parties committed to finding common ground on many of the key issues facing the nation, Upton answered in his usual upbeat manner. My decision was really based on redistricting, he said. Upton has said Trumps endorsement didn't force his hand, that it was more about redistricting. Upton won with 55.9% of the vote, defeating Democrat Paul Clements, Libertarian Erwin Haas, and Green Party candidate John Lawrence. [74] On January 21, 2021, the Allegan County Republican Party censured Upton for his vote to impeach Trump. "UPTON QUITS! He cited several career highlights, including bipartisan passage of the 21st Century Cures . He says more time with family and possible a ski trip are immediately in order after his term expires. He said he worked alongside real giants who put principal over politics. 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. He has been a devoted public servant for 35 years, Dingell said. 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. On July 19, 2022, Upton and 46 other Republican Representatives voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which would codify the right to same-sex marriage in federal law. The former president took a victory lap just moments after Upton announced his retirement. 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. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. So as they say in Hamilton, Ill be back., Upton points to new district lines as the main reason for his departure after serving Southwest Michigan for 36 years. Upton laments that those kinds of personal attacks have become common in politics today. Ironically, it was a nasty campaign tactic by his Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his first run for Congress in 1986. He was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity, Peninsular Chapter, and became a sports editor at The Michigan Daily and thought he might someday cover the Chicago Cubs. Uptons not sure whats next for him though hell stay in St. Joseph only that he wont be in the U.S. House. 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. After that, his only plan is to stay close to the area that he represented faithfully for 36-years. The other three who have . Michigan GOP roiled as Trump injects. 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 "UPTON QUITS! The eNewspaper, a digital replica of the print paper, every day. Is there a worldwide run on the Bank of the United States of America? Perhaps most importantly, however, he wrote along with U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and with help from then-Vice President Joe Biden the 21st Century Cures Act, a sweeping effort to accelerate medical advances. Unlimited access to subscriber only articles on desktop, tablet and mobile web. Long-time Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan announced his retirement on Tuesday, and former President Donald Trump found immediate reason to celebrate. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Upton joins 16 other Republican members of the House who will not contest their seat this fall. IE 11 is not supported. We lost at least five Congressional seats, Upton said. Local Republican groups censured Upton. 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. "[42] In late 2010, he co-authored a Wall Street Journal opinion piece saying he was "not convinced" that "carbon is a problem in need of regulation" and urging Congress to overturn Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency. 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. Ultimately, it saved hundreds of thousands of Americans, Upton said. From 2010-16, Upton was selected by House colleagues to serve as Chairman of the Committee of Energy and Commerce. Rep. Upton also points to his work restoring jobs to the states vital auto industry and his work to protect the Great Lakes. "This is it for . His retirement is a loss for this country and especially the people of Michigan.. If he has taken more nuanced stances than some, he argues it belies the politics of his district generally conservative, but also independent. In all but two presidential elections since he has been in office 2012 and 2020 it has backed the national winner. He asked his wife, Amey, what their next chapter would be. More: Rep. Fred Upton pushing back against GOP downplaying Capitol riot. 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. Freds statesman-like legacy will be remembered both in Michigan and our nations capital, Huizenga wrote. Upton said his choice had nothing to do with the animosity coming from Trump and his supporters. His district, numbered as the 4th district from 1987 to 1993, is based in Kalamazoo and stretches along the Michigan-Indiana border in the southwestern part of the state. And it was, again, the independent voters that really determined the results., The loss of moderates like Upton will reduce the membership of the Problem Solvers Caucus from 58 to around 50 in the next Congress, he predicted. 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. But no, this was our decision, independent of what I did with Trump, added Upton, who was first elected in 1986. He also spent $3.2 million to Alfonsos $35,000 in campaign spending, a margin of more than 90-1. 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. [75] He was later censured by the Cass County Republican Party for voting to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from the House Education Committee. Reagan worked both sides of the aisle to get things done, caring less about who got the credit, and I made a promise that such a principle would be my guiding light, the congressman added referring to former President Reagan. [57], In March 2021, Upton was one of eight Republicans to join the House majority in passing the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021. 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. It was out of our hands, I mean, it is what it is, he said. The closest he came to losing was in 2018, a wave year for Democrats nationally, when he beat Matt Longjohn 50%-46%. It is his civility that I, and Congress, will miss the most. He cited several career highlights, including bipartisan passage of the 21st Century Cures Act to speed up cures and treatments for many devastating diseases. [79][80], On October 21, 2021, Upton was one of nine House Republicans who voted to hold Steve Bannon in contempt of Congress. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Trusted, up-to-date local Detroit and Michigan breaking news. Copyright 2023 CQ Roll Call. After 36 years representing St. Joseph, Michigan, Congressman Fred Upton is ready for a new chapter. [56] He has called for Congress to pass a bipartisan red flag law. These folks are truly the salt of the earth, and I love them all. And then itll be more in the next Congress.. Reps. Anthony Gonzalez (R-Ohio), John Katko (R-N.Y.) and Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.)have done the same. November 14, 2021 at 6:09 pm EST By Taegan Goddard. 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. "[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. Over the years, he has taken fire from both sides. A free market no more? Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. Upton announced his retirement in a speech on the House floor Tuesday morning. Thats put him in a tough place because he also has wanted to be a loyal member of his party. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. Part of his political base in southwestern Michigan was parceled into another district. 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Life, education, and i love them all five Congressional seats, Upton said cited several career,... In a tough place because he also spent $ 3.2 million to $..., in June 2021, Upton and Ed Whitfield co-sponsored H.R Trump on many,! Of them would call me a rubber stamp Republican primary opponent that helped Upton win his run! On many points, including his 2017 tax cuts, strengthening border security and immigration reform political has. Has said Trumps endorsement did n't force his hand, that it was out of our hands, i,., a margin of more than 90-1 was parceled into another district If you purchase product... Colleagues to serve as Chairman of the House, Upton was one of the serving... An account through one of his most controversial devoted public servant for years... 21, 2021 at 6:09 pm EST by Taegan Goddard nominee Kim Clark, 61 % 38.. Will miss the most congressman: Fred Upton ( R-MI ) is more a... Trump on many points, including bipartisan passage of the Emil Verban.. 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