To help our community members make informed choices in the upcoming election, we asked candidates running for important local, state, and national seats to participate in our Forum to help you get to know them better. Today, meet Fred Upton.

Seeking reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Michigan’s 6th Congressional District, Fred Upton’s motivation to run for office derives from the community’s citizens. “The people of Southwest Michigan are salt of the earth, and they want leaders focused on helping Southwest Michigan. I have committed to working with everyone to deliver results, protect our communities, and solve problems. There are good people in both parties doing good work. We just need more of them,” said Fred. In this role, Fred’s top priorities would include addressing the current challenges Michigan faces: record-high unemployment, a generational public health crisis, and a demand to improve racial disparities. Along with sharing his opinions on policy, Fred also let us get to know him a little bit better. When he hits the campaign trail, his favorite artist to listen to is Bruce Springsteen, and while away from home, he misses his favorite food and drink—pizza and a beer from “The Carousel” at Silver Beach in St. Joseph. Meet Fred Upton.

NAME
Fred Upton

AFFILIATION
Republican

POSITION SEEKING
U.S. House of Representatives

DISTRICT POSITION REPRESENTS
Michigan’s 6th Congressional District

EMAIL
info@uptonforallofus.com

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
The people of Southwest Michigan are salt of the earth, and they want leaders focused on helping Southwest Michigan. I have committed to working with everyone to deliver results, protect our communities, and solve problems. There are good people in both parties doing good work. We just need more of them.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP PRIORITIES WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS ELECTED OFFICE?

Addressing the unprecedented challenges facing our state: record high unemployment, a generational public health crisis, and a demand to improve racial disparities—those are my top priorities. We will rise to meet these challenges, just as we have always done. But we must do so by talking with folks—not at them.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS WITHIN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESTRICTION OF THE OFFICE?

With a divided government, we need to work. That’s why I am a leader of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group made up of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, that can help pass legislation to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and help our families and communities.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IF ELECTED?

Earlier this year, we had one of the strongest economies in American history because we enacted pro-growth tax cuts and protected small businesses from job-killing regulations. We can get there again by working together on solutions that once again help put us toward strong economic growth.

FAVORITE CAMPAIGN SONGS

I have always been a Springsteen fan and have listened to Sirius XM’s “E Street Radio” channel back and forth to D.C. the last couple weeks.

FAVORITE MOVIE

Drama—any Tom Hanks movie.

FAVORITE BOOK

“The Splendid and the Vile” by Erik Larson.

FAVORITE FOOD

Pizza–Specifically, that found at Silver Beach. “The Carousel” is to die for with a local brew. I’d note, I would have voted against prohibition!

The Primary will be held on August 4. The general Election will be held on November 3. Fred Upton is seeking this seat as a Republican.