ST. JOSEPH, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) has announced that he will be seeking reelection in November 2020 for Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District.
Upton made his official announcement on Monday, February 24.
Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District includes all of Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties, plus most of Allegan County. He has held the position since the 1986.
Additionally, Upton served as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee from 2010 to 2016, and he is currently the vice chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bi-partisan organization dedicating to finding common ground between parties on key issues.
Previously, Upton had been seen handing out “Upton 2020” buttons during a conference last September, which some thought to be a sign of his decision.
Upton released the following statement Monday night:
“Today we are grabbing the bull by the horns and announcing a run for reelection in the Sixth District. There is unfinished business we have to complete – Cures 2.0, fighting the opioid epidemic, immigration reform, and protecting the Great Lakes, among others.
People of southwest Michigan are salt of the earth, and I’ve been blessed beyond measure to represent them and work for them.
Someone with a different opinion can still share your goals and help you meet them. We will continue to be at the table talking with people – not at them.
I am raising my hand and committing to work with anyone of any party to deliver results, protect our communities, and simply solve problems. That’s why I am a leader of a bipartisan problem solvers group. Despite what you hear, there are good people in both parties doing good work. We just need more of them.
My wife and I earlier this month became grandparents for the first time, and this influenced our final decision. Some folks thought I might not run because I became a grandfather. But actually, I’m running because of it. And I am committed to working with anyone who’s willing to help build a better future for our kids and grandkids.”
Upton’s seat is being challenged by Kalamazoo teacher Jen Richardson who made her announcement in December and State Representative Jon Hoadley. Hoadley is currently serving his final two-year term for the 60th House District and was recently endorsed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
