A Michigan state representative says she will not seek reelection and will never run for public office again because of her Christian faith. Detroit Democrat Rep. Karen Whitsett announced the decision Monday, saying it was based on her commitment to Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture, ClickOnDetroit reported.
“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 cited a remark from Michigan State Rep. Bradley Slagh that she said deeply convicted her.
“Michigan State Representative Bradley Slagh said something that convinced 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.
Whitsett said she believes it is no longer possible to reconcile her faith with the modern 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.
Whitsett said she believes she had compromised her relationship with Jesus for too long.
“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 identified abortion, the normalization of homosexuality, and gender ideology as issues she believes conflict with Biblical 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 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.
Whitsett also argued that abortion has had a profound impact on 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 with helping shape her faith and 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.
Whitsett said she agrees with a teaching from Lionheart Church Pastor Otha Turnbough.
“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 closed her statement by reaffirming her commitment to the Bible.
“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.