The Republican Legacy Podcast Episode 19 - Rep. Fred Upton

With Election Day just days away, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Our Republican Legacy Michigan State Chair Chuck Brown examine the final developments in the midterm elections and what could be a significant shift in American politics.

The panel begins with a discussion of Elon Musk’s growing influence over national security through SpaceX and Starlink, the role of private enterprise in America’s defense infrastructure, and concerns about whether President Trump will accept unfavorable election results. They also examine the latest polling and competitive races in Michigan, Texas, Missouri, Washington, and beyond as Democrats appear poised to make significant gains.

Then, former Michigan Congressman Fred Upton joins the podcast for a conversation about his 36 years in Congress, the importance of bipartisan leadership, and why he became one of Our Republican Legacy’s 34 founding members.

Upton reflects on working in the Reagan White House, his leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and his role in passing landmark legislation, including the bipartisan infrastructure law and the 21st Century Cures Act. He discusses how cooperation across party lines produced meaningful results for Americans and why he believes Congress has abandoned its responsibilities on trade policy and tariffs.

The conversation concludes with Upton’s assessment of Michigan’s closely contested Senate race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, the challenges facing moderate Republicans, and the importance of rebuilding a Republican Party grounded in traditional conservative principles.

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