MICHIGAN, USA — Serving southwest Michigan since the late 1980s as a Republican in Congress, the former U.S. Representative Fred Upton is backing Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Upton, 71, voted to impeach the then-sitting President Donald Trump over the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
On Thursday, Upton announced his support for Harris, citing concerns about the former president's focus on the 2020 election outcome.
“I am confident Vice President Harris will work to bring people together, strengthen our economy, and get things done for all Americans," Upton said.
“I was present in the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and witnessed first-hand the violence trying to co-opt the legitimate counting of each state’s electoral votes. I spent time with the brave Capitol Police doing their very best to protect and defend the Constitution that awful day. That day was a tragedy for our democracy and Donald Trump is wrong to claim that everything he did was ‘totally appropriate’ when he directly jeopardized the peaceful transition from one administration to the next. He is unfit to serve as commander in chief again.”
The Michigan Republican Party released a statement following the endorsement of Harris by Upton:
“Michigan families are worried about paying their bills, putting food on the table, and saving for their kids' college tuition. Any 'Republican' campaigning for another four years of unfettered illegal immigration and rising prices under Kamala Harris is neither Republican nor worth listening to." – Michigan GOP Communications Director Victoria LaCivita.
Upton shared this statement through the Harris/Walz campaign:
“I don’t believe I’ve missed a vote in Michigan in the 52 years I’ve been eligible to vote. And I’ve not been afraid to split my ballot from time to time but have never voted for a Democrat for president, until now.
It is often said that, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ And, let’s face it—the whole world seems on fire today.
More than 30 former GOP Members of Congress have now publicly stated that they will not support the former president and will vote for VP Harris. I am proud to add my name to that list, as I have already cast my ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris to be our next president of the United States.
As a former GOP Vice-Chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus and still a very active participant in the bipartisan No Labels organization, civility and governing should rule the day—not nasty and divisive attacks.
The American public wants their elected officials to solve problems—not spin in circles in stalemates. I am confident Vice President Harris will work to bring people together, strengthen our economy, and get things done for all Americans.
Time and time again respected senior national Republicans have urged our former president to focus on governing rather than personal attacks, mistruths, and continued false 2020 election claims. Instead of heeding that advice, we see unhinged behavior not acceptable in most forums almost daily.
I was present in the U.S. Capitol on January 6 and witnessed first-hand the violence trying to co-opt the legitimate counting of each state’s electoral votes. I spent time with the brave Capitol Police doing their very best to protect and defend the Constitution that awful day. That day was a tragedy for our democracy and Donald Trump is wrong to claim that everything he did was ‘totally appropriate’ when he directly jeopardized the peaceful transition from one administration to the next. He is unfit to serve as commander in chief again.”
This endorsement comes after another former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, also a Republican, campaigned with Harris in Oakland County.
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Representative from Hawaii, recently announced she's joined the Republican Party and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
