Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett announced she will not seek re-election and will not run for public office again, saying the decision is faith-based and rooted in her commitment to Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture.
Whitsett said on Monday (March 2) she will remain civically engaged and will support leaders across party lines who, she said, are committed to improving lives and strengthening families based on God’s Word.
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“I will not be seeking re-election for this office, and I will not be running for any office ever again. This is not a political calculation—it’s a spiritual decision,” Whitsett said.
Whitsett emphasized that her decision is driven by conscience and accountability to God.
“I don’t have a heaven or hell to put anyone in. Only God does. But I do have God’s unwavering Word to stand on, and I can no longer compromise it to fit a party platform or to please people,” Whitsett said.
“Michigan State Representative Bradley Slagh (R–85th District) said something that convicted me: ‘You’re to vote your district, but you’re not to sell your soul.’ In the end, I have to answer to God.”
Whitsett said she can no longer reconcile her faith with the Democratic Party platform.
“For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today. I cannot reconcile that platform with Scripture,” Whitsett said.
“I have compromised my relationship with Jesus for too long, and I’m grateful God did not give up on me. He gave me time to repent, turn, and be fully devoted to Him,” Whitsett said.
Whitsett named several issues she described as non‑negotiable matters of Biblical truth.
“That conviction includes the issues I cannot reconcile with Scripture: abortion, the normalization of the gay lifestyle, and the push to redefine gender,” Whitsett said.
“I understand these are personal for many families, because your son, daughter, cousin, aunt, or uncle may be one. But personal proximity does not change God’s definition of right and wrong. Love for people does not require agreement with sin, and compassion does not give us permission to rewrite Scripture,” Whitsett said.
On abortion, Whitsett said it has particular consequences for Black communities.
“We say there is no such thing as Black-on-Black crime, but in my view, abortion is exactly that. We wonder why there are no good men—too many were aborted, and we have emasculated many of the men who are still here. We cannot destroy life and then act shocked when our families and neighborhoods suffer the consequences,” Whitsett said.
Whitsett credited her family’s online church community for shaping her convictions.
“My husband and I attend Lionheart Church online from Michigan—Lionheart Church is based in Austell, Georgia—and that ministry has helped shape our walk with Jesus Christ,” Whitsett said.
“Pastor Otha Turnbough has said, ‘You’re making decisions based on emotions and what you think; you’re not making decisions based on how God uses men.’ I agree with that principle: God can and does use anyone He wants, whether people like it or not.”
Whitsett closed by reaffirming her commitment to what she described as the full doctrine of Scripture.
“I’m not going to pretend God’s Word can be twisted by any priest, bishop, pastor, or preacher to make people feel comfortable in sin—whether that’s to keep donations coming, to avoid offending anyone, or to fit the culture,” Whitsett said.
“Just because prominent leaders don’t speak against these things does not mean God is okay with them. God does not change. My faith is not moving. My allegiance is to Jesus Christ, and I’m choosing God’s business over man’s approval,” Whitsett said.
“Good riddance. Rep. Whitsett’s decision to not seek re-election is a net positive for her constituents and all Michiganders. We look forward to electing a strong Democratic candidate to represent this district, especially one who actually shows up for work.”
Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel