4th District State Representative Karen Whitsett announced her support for Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers. The endorsement came at a Democrats for Mike Rogers event in Detroit.

The event was at Whitsett’s mother-in-law’s home in the heart of Detroit. Also in attendance was Chelsea Rebeck, a Democrat voter and mother from West Bloomfield, and Rabbi Asher Lopatin, leader of the Kehillat Etz Chayim Jewish congregation.

Whitsett criticized Abdul El-Sayed’s Medicare-for-all plan. She said: “You will lose your health insurance if the other candidate gets in office… that is what Medicare for all means… common sense prevails that Mike Rogers is the candidate for you.”

Mike Rogers spoke about winning Democrat voters. He said: “To Democrat voters who feel their nominee doesn’t represent them and their values, all hope is not lost. I’m not asking you to be a Republican. I’m asking you for the opportunity to earn your trust.”

Karen Whitsett often breaks with her party. In 2024, she joined House Republicans in a walk-out protest. Afterwards, she lost her 2025 Detroit City Council race to Denzel Campbell. Campbell is a democratic socialist and former staffer for Rashida Tlaib.

Whitsett is not seeking re-election to the Michigan House in 2026. She said: “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.” For example, she explained that Democrats stances on abortion, gender identity and LGBTQ+ ideology do not conform with her view of Christianity.