Michigan Democrat Says Faith In Jesus Led Her To Quit Politics

A Democratic lawmaker in Michigan says she is stepping away from politics altogether, explaining that her Christian faith no longer allows her to remain aligned with her party’s platform.

State Rep. Karen Whitsett announced Monday that she will not seek reelection and does not intend to run for public office again, citing what she described as a deeply personal spiritual decision.

According to ClickOnDetroit, the Detroit Democrat said her commitment to Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture ultimately led her to conclude that she could no longer remain in elected office.

“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. 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.

Whitsett said a remark from fellow Michigan legislator Bradley Slagh helped crystallize her decision.

“Michigan State Representative Bradley Slagh 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.

The lawmaker explained that she now believes it is impossible for her to reconcile her religious convictions with the current direction of the Democratic Party.

“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.

Whitsett added that she feels she had compromised her faith for too long while navigating political pressures.

“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.

Among the issues she cited as incompatible with her reading of the Bible were abortion, the normalization of homosexuality, and modern gender ideology.

“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,” she added.

Whitsett also argued that abortion has had particularly devastating effects within 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.

The lawmaker credited her church community with helping guide her spiritual journey. Whitsett said she and her husband attend services online with Lionheart Church, located in Austell.

She specifically referenced teachings from the church’s pastor, Otha Turnbough, which she said influenced her perspective.

“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 said.

Whitsett concluded her statement by reaffirming that her allegiance is ultimately to Scripture rather than political pressure or cultural expectations.

“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,” she 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 added.