Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton, who has been in office for decades, is retiring from office.
Upton is among the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment.
Under the new redistricting maps in Michigan following the 2020 Census, Upton would have been forced to run against GOP Rep. Bill Huizenga had he run for re-election.
“Reagan worked both sides of the aisle to get things done, caring less about who got the credit,” he said. “And I made a promise that such a principle would be my guiding light. Especially in these days of divided government that is the only way one can actually get legislation enacted,” Upton said while making his announcement on the House floor.
“Hopefully civility and bipartisanship versus discord can rule, not rue, the day,” Upton added.
Trump wasted no time responding to the news.
As RTM previously reported:
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.
This story contains an excerpt from Conservative Brief.
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