Some moderate Republicans in Congress are choosing retirement over reelection runs in 2018, but U.S. Rep. Fred Upton's office says the West Michigan Congressman isn't among them.
Citing "multiple party officials," a New York Times story published Sept. 8 briefly mentioned Upton, R-St. Joseph, and fellow Michigan U.S. Rep. David Trott, R-Birmingham, as Republicans leaning towards retirement.
Trott announced his upcoming retirement from Congress Monday, joining the growing list of Republicans foregoing a reelection campaign in 2018. He will join U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent, R-Pennsylvania, Dave Reichert, R-Washington, and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Florida, in leaving Congress after this session.
But Upton spokesperson Tom Wilbur said Upton is not planning to retire from politics anytime soon.
"Fred is happy with his day job and remains very focused on the bipartisan work he's doing for our state," Wilbur said. "He continues to explore all of his options and has a jam packed schedule. At this point retirement is not in the cards."
Upton hasn't ruled out a run for U.S. Senate in 2018 to challenge sitting U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., but has said he's focused on his current position for the time being.
Upton, 64, has served in Congress since 1987. The 6th Congressional District includes the counties of Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass, St. Joseph, Berrien, and most of Allegan County.
Several Democrats have announced their intentions to run in the 6th District, including Western Michigan University professors David Benac and Paul Clements, biologist businessman Rich Eichholz, Pfizer quality control tester Eponine Garrod, and Portage physician Matt Longjohn.