A Michigan Democrat state representative has announced she won’t run for reelection because her Christian faith is incompatible with remaining in her party, particularly considering its stances on social issues.
“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,” Rep. Karen Whitsett told a local news outlet on Monday.
“I will not be seeking reelection for this office, and I will not be running for any office ever again,” she added. “This is not a political calculation—it’s a spiritual decision.”
Whitsett told WDIV-TV Local 4 that she will remain civically engaged and support leaders across party lines who are committed to improving lives and strengthening families based on the Bible.
She mentioned specific social issues where she said the Democrat Party platform irreconcilably conflicts with the Bible’s teaching.
“That conviction includes the issues I cannot reconcile with Scripture: abortion, the normalization of the gay lifestyle, and the push to redefine gender,” Whitsett explained.
“I understand these are personal for many families, because your son, daughter, cousin, aunt, or uncle may be one,” she admitted. “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.”
Both the Bible and Christian tradition condemn same-sex sexual activity as sinful (Leviticus 18-20, 1 Corinthians 6, 1 Timothy 1, Romans 1), though they also condemn heterosexual acts outside of marriage. Both the Old and New Testaments forbid cross-dressing, and clearly say God made humans male and female.
Some Democrats have claimed that the Bible does not mention abortion, but scholars note that Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 21:8 forbid as a form of sin the Greek word pharmakeia, the same word that early Christian and ancient Greek sources like Plutarch used to refer to abortion potions.
“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 added.
“Just because prominent leaders don’t speak against these things does not mean God is okay with them,” she said. “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 credited Michigan state Rep. Bradley Slagh, a Republican, for convincing her to reconsider her party.
“You’re to vote your district, but you’re not to sell your soul,” she recalled Slagh saying. “In the end, I have to answer to God,” Whitsett explained.
Michigan Democrat Party Chair Curtis Hertel celebrated Whitsett’s departure.
“Good riddance,” he said, the local outlet reported. “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 Democrats have condemned Whitsett previously, as well.
In April 2020, Whitsett recovered from COVID-19 after taking hydroxychloroquine. She publicly credited President Donald Trump for promoting the drug, and the 13th Congressional District Democrat Party censured her in a unanimous vote that month. Whitsett condemned the censure vote as “pettiness politics.”
Whitsett has not joined the Republican Party. Writing on Facebook Friday, Whitsett responded to apparent criticism that her faith stance implied support for President Trump.
“Ummmm… God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Bible… These are not code words for MAGA,” she wrote, referring to the Make America Great Again movement. “The triune God isn’t interested in a political party. I pray you don’t miss your chance to know Him better, simply because you have Trump Derangement Syndrome. Seriously! It would be a shame if you went to hell for eternal life because of something so ridiculous as that.”
