US Representative Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, announced Friday he will be seeking re-election for the House of Representatives in 2018. He will not be a candidate for U.S. Senate.

His campaign released a statement from the congressman Friday morning.

“I will not be a candidate for the U.S. Senate. There was a path, but today we are choosing not to follow it.

“Instead, my focus will remain on helping all of my constituents with problems big and small and improving the quality of life for all in Michigan.

“I’m also excited about seeing our bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act through, getting historic tax-reform into law to help Michigan middle-class families, advancing common-sense ‘all-of-the-above’ energy solutions, and working with the Problem Solvers Caucus to do it all in a bipartisan way. As it should be done.

“We need focus and fortitude in Washington now more than ever. We are full speed ahead for re-election in 2018.

“Now, as we close this door, Amey and I want to thank from the bottom of our hearts all those who helped us come to this announcement along the way. It was not an easy decision, but it is the right one.”