Karen Whitsett
Karen Whitsett | |
|---|---|
 Whitsett in 2020 | |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Sylvia Santana |
| Constituency | 9th district (2019–2023) 4th district (2023–present) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 8, 1967 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jason |
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]
Early life
Whitsett was born on November 8, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan.[1]
State legislature
Elections
2018
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]
2024
Whitsett was unchallenged in the primary and general election.
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 Michigan Gretchen 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]
2024 walkout
In the midst of the entire House Republican caucus boycotting the remaining days of the legislature, Whitsett walked out of the House chamber, denying House Democrats the ability to pass several remaining bills. Whitsett returned to the capitol building but refused to enter the chamber. She cited concerns about several bills which were voted out of committee to the House floor. Speaker Joe Tate eventually adjourned the House to December 31, ending the ability of the chamber to pass any further legislation.[14][15]
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][16]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e "Karen Whitsett". housedems.com. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ "Meet the Democrat blocking Michigan abortion bills. She says she's not alone | Bridge Michigan". www.bridgemi.com. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
- ^ a b "Representative Karen Whitsett's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved October 14, 2019.
- ^ a b Hall, Christine Ferretti and Kalea. "Controversial Democrat Whitsett, millionaire Thanedar prevail in Democratic state House races". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ "2020 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/03/2020". mielections.us. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ "2022 Michigan Official General Election Results - 11/08/2022". mielections.us. Retrieved 2023-11-29.
- ^ "Michigan Mapping Process".
- ^ Second Michigan legislator confirmed positive for coronavirus MLive.com, April 6, 2020
- ^ Michigan Rep. Karen Whitsett credits hydroxychloroquine, President Trump for her recovery from C... Click On Detroit, WDIV, April 6, 2020
- ^ LeBlanc, Sarah Rahal and Beth. "Detroit Democrats unanimously censure lawmaker who credited Trump for COVID-19 recovery". The Detroit News. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
- ^ "Lawmaker from Detroit sues Whitmer, fellow Democrats over censure after she met with President Trump". mlive. 2020-05-21. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
- ^ "Rep. Karen Whitsett drops lawsuit against Gov. Whitmer, Detroit Democratic organization". mlive. 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
- ^ a b "Meet the Democrat blocking Michigan abortion bills. She says she's not alone | Bridge Michigan". www.bridgemi.com. Retrieved 2023-11-30.
- ^ "Michigan lame-duck Legislature: House ends year with tears, fingerpointing | Bridge Michigan". www.bridgemi.com. 2024-12-13. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- ^ "Michigan House adjourns until New Year's Eve as state reps speak out on lame-duck session". WXYZ 7 News Detroit. 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
- ^ "Karen Whitsett | MI State Rep. | District 4". karenwhitsett. Retrieved 2023-11-29.