Michigan Democrat Karen Whitsett says she’s leaving politics for Jesus

By Leonardo Blair, Senior Reporter Tuesday, March 03, 2026

A day after skewering the platform of the Democratic Party and declaring she’s breaking up with politics for good in favor of her relationship with Jesus, Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett is sticking to her story.

“Those who understand, understand. Those who don’t, don’t. At the end of the day, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess. My responsibility is to stand in truth and walk in obedience — not to win approval,” Whitsett wrote in a follow-up statement on Facebook Tuesday.

“I don’t need to justify my convictions. I answer to God first. If my words stir something in you and drive you to post a response somewhere, I pray it leads you closer to Him, not further from grace. No one responds to things that don’t matter. I’m just saying.”

Whitsett, a Democrat representing Detroit who assumed office in 2023 and will remain in office until Jan. 1, 2027, told WDIV Local 4 that the Democratic Party’s platform does not align with her Christian faith. 

“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,” she 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 cited issues including abortion, the normalization of homosexuality, and the push to redefine gender as problematic for her.

Whitsett told the news outlet on Monday that her conscience will not allow her to seek political office again.

“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,” she said.

“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 has not shown up for the legislative session in the past several months, reports The Detroit News. 

The Michigan politician says she and her family currently attend the online campus of  Lionheart Church, based in Austell, Georgia, and her convictions have been bolstered by the community there.

Led by Otha and LaRonna Turnbough, Lionheart Church has a massive digital footprint, including more than 2 million followers on its Facebook page. The church has plans to establish a network of 24/7 satellite locations for worship, prayer, and training in the city and surrounding areas.

“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 told WDIV.