Former Congressman Fred Upton says Tuesday’s election results send a clear warning to Republicans heading into next year’s midterms.
Speaking from Germany, where he’s participating in a bipartisan civic engagement program, Upton said the outcome of several key races — including Democratic victories in the Virginia and New Jersey governor’s races — reflected voter frustration with gridlock in Washington.
“The message was sent back to folks in Washington that things are not going real well right now, particularly for the Republican Party. They better get their act together,” Upton said.
Upton noted that both winning governors were former members of Congress who worked with him in the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. He said the results weren’t a surprise, calling them “bellwether outcomes” that Republicans should take seriously.
The former Southwest Michigan congressman also pointed to the ongoing federal government shutdown and lack of legislative activity in the U.S. House as contributing to voter dissatisfaction.
Upton predicted that congressional leaders will ultimately reach a short-term funding compromise before the current spending resolution expires November 21, saying the threat of widespread travel disruptions around Thanksgiving could force action.
