Trump promised retribution after ten GOP members of the House of Representatives voted to impeach him. Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) is the fourth Congressional Representative on Trump’s list to announce they will not be seeking reelection in the 2022 midterms.
According to a January 2021 report in the Wall Street Journal, Trump “wanted to know who the lawmakers were and whether he had ever done anything for them” and “inquired who might run against them when they face reelection in two years.”
According to Election Wizard, all Republicans who voted to impeach Trump “have been primaried or resigned.”
Upton, who voted to impeach Trump at his second impeachment trial, has represented Michigan’s sixth congressional district since 1987. In announcing his decision to step down, Upton said on the House floor on Tuesday:
“As a former Boy Scout, I believe in leaving the campground better than one found it. I’ve worked with seven administrations, seven house speakers, none of them would call me a rubber stamp. If it’s good policy for Michigan, it’s good enough for all of us.”
In an email to his supporters, The Washington Post noted that Upton added: “Even the best stories have a last chapter. This is it for me. Thanks, again, to the people of my district who placed their faith and confidence in me all these great years.”
In March, Trump announced his endorsement of a Republican challenger to Upton, Representative Bill Huizenga. Huizenga is currently serving in Congress, but Upton and Huizenga were slated to face each other in the primaries due to redistricting.
In early March, Trump released the following statement in support of Huizenga:
Congressman Bill Huizenga is doing a terrific job in Congress for the people of Michigan. He is a small business owner, real estate developer, and proud husband and father to five wonderful children.
Bill is an accomplished lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan who values hard work, safety, and security. Whether he is helping farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, or protecting our Great Lakes, he always puts AMERICA FIRST.
He has fought his entire life to Protect the Unborn, Lower Taxes, Grow Jobs, Secure our Border, and for Election Integrity. I am proud to be working with Bill to Make America Great Again. Bill Huizenga has my Complete and Total Endorsement for the newly drawn 4th Congressional District!”
Trump’s endorsements have proven effective. Many speculate that Trump’s endorsement of Huizenga was a factor in Upton’s decision to step down.
According to CNN’s Chief Congressional Correspondent, Manu Raju, Upton said he was “torn” over whether or not to seek reelection. Raju tweeted:
“As of last week, he hadn’t made a decision but would have been forced to challenge Rep. Huizenga. He told me last Thursday he was torn over the decision.”
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