Michigan's longest serving incumbent congressman has called it a career.
Republican Rep. Fred Upton said Tuesday he won't seek re-election this year for the first time since the late 80s.
“As I reflect back there have been more highlights than low lights representing the wonderful folks of southwest Michigan,” Upton said in an emotional speech on the house floor Tuesday morning. “These folks are truly the salt of the earth and I love them all.”
It will be 36 years in the U.S. House when Upton’s final term ends.
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He said over all those year he was focused on one thing: getting things done, no matter who got the credit.
Reaction poured in all over social media from political leaders in the state Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow posted on twitter that Upton has been a strong partner in working together on issues in the state.
Democratic Sen. Gary Peters thanked him for his years of service to the state.
The man who Upton would've had to run against in 2022, Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga released a statement on Facebook.
John Clark spoke to News Channel 3 on Tuesday. Clark is a political science teacher at Western Michigan University.
“There are an awful lot of elected officials that are really less concerned with solving problems than scoring political points. That just hasn't been Upton’s style on at all throughout his long career,” said Clark.
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“In the many years he's been in congress, Fred Upton has kind of risen at least to near the top of the pack of people who are interested in getting things done,” Clark said.
Reactions from leaders poured in everywhere.
However, not everyone is sad to see Upton go.
Former president Donald Trump’s spokesperson released a statement on twitter today saying "UPTON QUITS! 4 down and 6 to go. Others losing badly, who's next? "
Upton was one of the 10 house republicans to vote to impeach the former president following the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
“He was somewhat unpredictable and stands on principles,” Clark said.
Clark said in a time of political allegiances, Upton almost always voted republican, but he was never afraid to go against the current republican grain.
“He served with seven presidents and seven speakers and almost all of them would tell you he is not a sure vote,” said Clark.
At the end of last year, Michigan’s redistricting commission adopted a new voting district map.
There are now 13 districts instead of 14.
Under the new borders that begin in 2022, both Upton and Huizenga would've had to run against each other for re-election.
Gov. Whitmer also released a statement on Upton’s retirement:
Congressman Upton is a lifelong Michigander, loyal U of M fan, faithful public servant, and family man. 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.