Republican Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan announced Tuesday that he is leaving Congress at the end of his current term after more than 30 years of service.
“Even the best stories have a final chapter,” Upton said on the House floor. “It’s all for me. I have flown millions of air miles back and forth, I have signed the word “Fred” to over a million letters, I have cast more votes during my time in this House than anyone else in this House, and by most accounts I have made the difference between achieving what I set out to do and there is still more unfinished work ahead of us.”
.@RepFredUpton announces his retirement: “Even the best stories have their last chapter. That’s everything for me.” pic.twitter.com/32Sj1tqKJj
— CSPAN (@cspan) April 5, 2022
Upton, 68, was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump following the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. He was also one of 13 GOP representatives who voted for the bipartisan infrastructure last year and recently voted to limit the monthly cost of insulin to $35.
Explaining his voting record, Upton said in his remarks: “As a former Scout, I believe you can leave a campsite better than when you found it. I have worked with seven administrations and seven Speakers of the House of Representatives. None of them would call me ‘rubber stamp.’ If it’s good policy and good for Michigan, I’m there.”
The Michigan congressman is vice chairman of the Problem Solvers Caucus and previously chaired the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 2011 to 2017.
Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI) praised Upton’s service during remarks on the House floor following his announcement.
“His retirement is a loss to this country and especially the people of Michigan,” Dingell said.
If Upton were to seek re-election in November, he would face fellow Michigan representative Bill Huizenga in the Republican primary due to redistricting. Michigan Rep. Steve Carra was endorsed by Trump in the race but has since dropped out.
Upton is now one of four Republicans who voted for Trump’s second impeachment and announced plans to retire at the end of the current term, joining Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez and New York Rep. John Katko.
