Karen Whitsett (born November 8, 1967) is an American politician serving as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives since 2019, currently representing the 4th district.[1] She is a member of the Democratic Party, and is often considered one of the more conservative Democrats in the House.[2]
On November 6, 2018, Whitsett won the election and became a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives for District 9. Whitsett defeated James Stephens with 95.1% of the votes.[1][3]
2020
Whitsett won her August 2022 primary, beating out Roslyn Ogburn, a fourth-generation Detroiter and mother of five.[4] She then won the general election.[5]
2022
On November 8, 2022, Whitsett was elected with 87% of the vote to the 4th state House district, which had changed since previous elections with redistricting.[6][7]
Controversies
COVID-19
Whitsett reported she was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 6, 2020.[8] At the same time, Whitsett credited President Donald Trump and his personal support of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin treatments with saving her life, stating, "If President Trump had not talked about this, it would not be something that's accessible for anyone to be able to get that right now, it would not even be possible."[9][10]
In May 2020, Whitsett announced she would sue Governor of MichiganGretchen Whitmer over a censure pertaining to COVID-19, alleging that the Governor and the 13th Congressional District Democratic Party Organization were attempting to deprive her of her right to engage in protected speech after she publicly supported President Trump.[11][4] In June 2020, Whitsett dropped the federal lawsuit.[12]
Abortion
In 2023, Whitsett was the sole Democrat in the Michigan House Health Policy Committee to vote against the Reproductive Health Act, an 11-bill package pertaining to abortion access.[13] Whitsett's concerns included the use of state Medicaid funds for abortions and waiting periods between the consultation and the procedure.[13]
Personal life
Whitsett's lives with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Peace.[1] They have one child.[citation needed] Whitsett and her family live in Detroit, Michigan.[1][3][14]
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