Michigan State Representative Karen Whitsett announced Thursday that she would no longer caucus with the Democratic Party, citing their “out of touch” and “disconnected” rhetoric as the reason. Speaking on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus, Whitsett criticized her party’s “talking points” that she claims contributed to their losses in the 2024 elections. She also expressed frustration with Democratic leaders pressuring her to support a bill she described as a move to establish “tent cities” for addressing homelessness.
“I’m not gonna caucus with [the Democrats] because of their talking points and the fact that they are disconnected,” Whitsett said. “They’re still using the same rhetoric that lost them the race.” She further noted her preference to work independently, saying she will focus on reading and analyzing legislation herself rather than aligning with party directives.
Whitsett revealed her experiences working with both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. She credited Trump with helping her raise $840,000 for her district during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she used to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to her constituents. While Whitsett had initially endorsed Biden in 2020, she said her interaction with Trump was “more enjoyable” and effective in addressing her district’s needs.
She also defended voters who supported Trump, citing his historic gains among black, Hispanic, and women voters in the 2024 election. According to NBC exit polls, Trump won 54% of Hispanic men and 53% of white women in his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump also secured Michigan’s electoral votes for the second time in the last three presidential elections, a feat no Republican had achieved since 1988.
Whitsett accused Democrats of discouraging black women like herself from working with Republicans, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation to address her constituents’ needs. Her decision underscores growing divisions within the Democratic Party as leaders grapple with shifting voter priorities and recent electoral defeats.
