With the news of his retirement Tuesday, Rep. Fred Upton is now the second Republican to bow out of the race for the 4th District following former President Donald Trump’s recent endorsement of Rep. Bill Huizenga.
Back in February, Rep. Upton had aired a campaign ad that appeared to signal he was going to run in the newly created 4th district, after redistricting had put Upton and Republican Rep. Bill Huizenga in the same seat in southwestern Michigan.
However, in March 11th, former President Donald Trump officially endorsed Rep. Bill Huizenga for the 4th District, stating quote:
“I am proud to be working with Bill to Make America Great Again,” Trump’s endorsement stated. “Bill Huizenga has my Complete and Total Endorsement for the newly drawn 4th Congressional District!”
While Upton did not say Tuesday that Trump’s endorsement of Huizenga had anything to do with his decision, it did however, cause State Rep. Steve Carra of Three Rivers to drop out of the Republican Primary this August.
While Huizenga issued a statement Tuesday thanking Upton for his service and commitment to Michigan, the Congressman also says he is setting his sights on the 4th District.
“Make no mistake we are in this thing to win it,” Huizenga said.
Huizenga now currently is running unopposed in the 4th District's Republican Primary in August.
