West Michigan Congressman Fred Upton has announced he will not seek re-election this year.
The St. Joseph Republican known for his bipartisanship announced his retirement in an emotional speech on the House floor Tuesday morning.
“Even the best of stories has a last chapter. This is it for me,” Upton said.
Upton said lawmakers need to work with each other.
“I work daily on all things Michigan, particularly with Debbie Dingell, and we've been hitting the road to push for civility. Hopefully civility and bipartisanship versus discord can rule, not rue the day.”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell says it was that attitude that allowed Upton to accomplish so much.
“It is because of that thinking he was able to get so much done in Congress,” she said.
In the newly-drawn Fourth District, Upton was faced a clash with Trump-supported Congressman Bill Huizenga. Upton has been a target of many conservatives since he voted to impeach President Trump in 2021.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement calling Upton a "faithful public servant." The governor praised the Republican Congressman's passion on issues he cares about and his independent streak. "We could all learn something from his tenure and strive to live and lead with the values he embodies," Whitmer said.
Upton was first elected in 1986.
