(WASHINGTON, DC) – The longest serving member in the U.S. Congress will not be seeking another term.

On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Fred Upton, announced he would not seek re-election. Upton has served 18 terms in the House, first being elected in 1986 after serving on President Ronald Reagan's staff. Upton says it seems like it was only yesterday when he was first running for a seat in the U.S. House in Washington. ...... {LISTEN}.

Upton took the time to thank all of the people of the current 6th District who placed their faith and confidence in him for 35 years. He also cited several career highlights, including bipartisan passage of the 21st Century Cures Act to speed up cures and treatments for many devastating diseases. Upton says he always remained focused on the issues that mattered to folks in Southwest Michigan.

Upton also thanked his wife Amey, his two children and three grandchildren for their love and support.

With the redistricting in Michigan that went into effect this year, if Upton would have sought re-election, he would have been in the newly created Fourth District, and would have run against Bill Huizenga in the Republican Primary.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement, saying Upton was a passionate advocate for the issues he cared about and never hesitated to showcase his independent streak. Whitmer says over decades of service, Upton has protected the Great Lakes and shaped major legislation on energy, the environment, manufacturing and so much more.