Michigan Democrat Karen Whitsett Says She’s Leaving Politics to Follow Jesus

March 6, 2026

A Michigan state representative has criticized the Democratic Party platform and announced that she is stepping back from politics to recommit her life to Jesus.

Christianity Daily reports that Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett reaffirmed her position on Facebook, just a day after publicly declaring that her faith now takes priority over political life.

Whitsett, who has represented Detroit since 2023 as a Democratic state representative , told a local TV station that she believes her party’s platform conflicts with her Christian Beliefs.

The lawmaker told reporters that her decision means she will not be seeking political office in the future and highlighted several policy areas she believes conflict with biblical teaching, including abortion, the normalization of homosexuality and efforts to redefine gender.

Whitsett explained, “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 laster wrote in her Facebook post: “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.”

She added, “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.”

According to Christianity Daily, Whitsett is scheduled to remain in office until Jan 1, 2027.

Photo: top, Credit: Andrea Hanks/The White House via Wikimedia Commons