Overview
- On March 2, Whitsett announced she will not seek reelection or pursue any office again and framed the move as a spiritual decision.
- She said Democratic positions on abortion, LGBTQ acceptance, and gender identity conflict with Scripture and credited the online Lionheart Church and Pastor Otha Turnbough for shaping her convictions.
- Whitsett declared she is leaving the Democratic Party and said she will instead support leaders across party lines who, in her view, prioritize families based on biblical teaching.
- Reporting documented that she missed all 30 session days from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025, after previously refusing to appear for key votes during the 2024 lame-duck session, which stalled Democratic priorities.
- Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel responded, “Good riddance,” and said the party looks to elect a candidate who shows up for work.