Reality Matters.

Karen
Whitsett
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Karen Whitsett in conversation at a White House meeting

Faith. Family. Freedom.

Hi. I’m
Karen
Whitsett.

Michigan State Representative through 2026.
Kingdom-minded leader. Truth-teller.
Building the next chapter in ministry, media and family restoration.

Donate NowBook Karen

My Next Chapter · Talk That Talk

The title is ending.The calling is not.

After elected office, I am stepping fully into the work Jesus Christ has placed before me: leading people to salvation through Him, restoring families, strengthening fathers and speaking truth through media, ministry and community action.

Talk That Talk is preparing for its January launch. This is not a political campaign. It is a mission—and I need partners who are ready to help build it.

Help us launch what comes next.Your gift supports fatherhood resources, Gospel outreach, workshops, practical referrals and original media grounded in God’s Word.

Donate NowBuild the Mission

Talk That Talk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Gifts support charitable, educational and Gospel-centered work—not a political campaign.

01

Reality Matters: White Privilege

The current series uses sharp humor and real-life situations to break and fight stereotypes of every kind—then brings the conversation back to truth and what Jesus Christ said.

02

Father-Centered Family Restoration

Practical help with Friend of the Court, paternity and DNA, parenting time, arrearages, jobs, trades, credit, anger management and fatherhood training.

03

Truth, Common Sense & Civic Education

Talk That Talk and Whitsett vs. Riddle will bring everyday issues, laws and budgets back to God’s Word and straight common sense.

Faith

Putting God first in
every decision.

Family Restoration

Strengthening homes.
Protecting our children.

Economic Stability

Empowering communities.
Building opportunity.

Civic Participation

Informed citizens.
Stronger communities.

My Story.

I served in the Michigan House to fight for Detroit and every community that was overlooked.

I championed funding for our city, improved public safety, defended parental rights, and stood for truth even when it wasn’t popular.

Now, I’m using my voice in a new way—through faith, media, and ministry.

See How It Started
Karen Whitsett speaking in the Michigan HouseKaren Whitsett speaking at a podiumKaren Whitsett with Lara TrumpA White House roundtable meetingKaren Whitsett in conversation at the White House
“

I don’t just talk about change.

I’ve lived it. I’ve fought for it. And I’ll never stop.

– Karen Whitsett
Karen Whitsett standing with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on a residential block during neighborhood board-up work.
Karen Whitsett with Mayor Mike Duggan during neighborhood board-up work.

Before the title

Board Up.
Clean Up.
Speak Up.

“My relationship with Mayor Mike Duggan didn’t begin at a reception. It began with me yelling at him because my area was being left behind.”

Before I held elected office, I was already fighting for my neighborhood—showing up alongside neighbors and community members, preparing boards, clearing debris and drawing attention to neglected properties.

That confrontation became the beginning of a working relationship. I wasn’t asking for special treatment. I was demanding that our blocks receive the same urgency, resources and attention as the rest of Detroit.

Board Up Clean Up was never about a photo. It was about neighbors reclaiming their blocks—one house, one yard and one load of debris at a time.

Karen Whitsett smiling with a group outdoors on a residential street.
Karen Whitsett with community members on a Detroit block.
Several people standing beside stacks of plywood in front of a house with boarded windows.
A crew stages plywood beside a boarded home.
Five people in work clothes and gloves seated on the front steps of a boarded brick house.
The crew takes a break on the steps of a boarded home.
Three-photo collage showing plywood being cut, debris loaded into a dumpster, and bagged waste collected from a residential property.
Community members prepare boards and clear debris during a neighborhood workday.

Photos from Karen Whitsett’s personal archive.

Community & Legacy

The people who showed up.

Before the titles, there were neighbors, mentors, family and community partners ready to work. These are some of the people and moments that helped shape my service.

Karen Whitsett and community members hold ‘Stop Tax Foreclosures! Defend Our Neighbors!’ signs at a Councilman Gabe Leland District 7 event.Councilman Gabe Leland sits beside Karen Whitsett at a District 7 community event opposing tax foreclosures.Councilman Gabe Leland stands with Karen Whitsett and community members holding signs opposing tax foreclosures in District 7.

Standing up against tax foreclosures

Defending our neighbors.

I stood with Councilman Gabe Leland and District 7 neighbors during his city council campaign to stop tax foreclosures and defend our neighborhoods.

Karen Whitsett stands with Gabe Leland, Jason, and her mentor Burton Leland, far right, after a community event.
A mentor who believed in me.With Gabe Leland, Jason and my mentor Burton Leland, pictured on the far right. Burton’s guidance helped shape my journey.
Karen Whitsett laughs in the passenger seat while Jason drives.
Room for laughter.Jason and me—proof that even in the middle of serious work, there has always been room for laughter.
John George stands beside a red Motor City Blight Busters truck loaded with rakes and cleanup tools on a Detroit residential street.
Always ready to lend a hand.John George of Motor City Blight Busters has always been ready to lend a hand and get to work for Detroit neighborhoods.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan stands outdoors with Karen Whitsett’s mother- and father-in-law.
A Detroit family moment.Mayor Mike Duggan with my in-laws—a family moment woven into our shared Detroit story.
Karen Whitsett takes a selfie with a smiling Detroit Police neighborhood police officer.
Relationships make neighborhoods safer.Our NPOs—Neighborhood Police Officers—help make neighborhoods safer by building strong relationships with residents.
Karen Whitsett and Jason work together to assemble a rain barrel at an outdoor Sierra Club event in cold weather.
Community work in every season.Jason and I attempted to assemble a rain barrel with the Sierra Club—in the freezing cold! Community work is not always glamorous, but it is always memorable.
Burton Leland speaks and gestures at an indoor community event while wearing a shirt embroidered with his name.

In memory of Burton Leland

He helped begin the journey.Burton Leland was my mentor and the first person to donate to my campaign. I will always treasure his belief in me, his guidance and the time we shared before he passed away from cancer.

From the beginning

The road from neighborhood work to elected office.

2017 · Citizen advocacy

A citizen’s voice for auto insurance reform.

In 2017, before I held elected office, I went to the Michigan Capitol as a citizen to testify for auto insurance reform.

The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing beneath a bright, cloud-filled sky.
Michigan State Capitol, 2017.
Karen Whitsett stands with her arms raised on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol.
At the Capitol before I ever held office.
Karen Whitsett, then a private citizen, testifies before Michigan lawmakers in 2017 for auto insurance reform.
Testifying as a citizen for auto insurance reform.

Block by block

Putting in the work for our neighborhoods.

We cleared an overgrown field and boarded a vacant house alongside students from Cambridge, volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Detroit Blight Busters.

Volunteers rake and clear an overgrown Detroit field during a Blight Busters neighborhood cleanup.
Clearing an overgrown neighborhood field.
Young volunteers clear debris and wood chips beside a boarded vacant house.
Young volunteers work beside a boarded vacant house.
A large group of young volunteers poses outside Detroit Blight Busters after a neighborhood cleanup.
Students and community volunteers with Detroit Blight Busters.
A volunteer clears brush near a tree while others work beside a boarded vacant house.
Cutting back brush as the cleanup continues.
A May 6, 2017 Motor City Makeover Free Paint Day flyer featuring Detroit Blight Busters and community partners.

Archival piece · May 6, 2017

Free Paint Day.

From my archive: a 2017 Motor City Makeover Free Paint Day flyer featuring community partners and a group photo that included me.

Feeding our neighbors

Food for families—right where it was needed.

A Forgotten Harvest food distribution brought fresh food directly into the neighborhood. I joined volunteers and community members at Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ to help families take food home.

Forgotten Harvest tractor-trailer parked at a community food distribution site.
A Forgotten Harvest truck arrives for a community food distribution.
Volunteers and neighbors gather among boxes of food outside Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ.
Volunteers prepare boxes of food for neighbors at Greater Emmanuel.
Karen Whitsett speaks with a woman beside stacks of fresh produce at a community food distribution.
Showing up alongside community partners to help families take fresh food home.

Leadership starts close to home

A block-club meeting in our living room.

Mayor Mike Duggan joined neighbors in our home for a block-club meeting—sitting close, listening directly and talking through what our community needed.

Mayor Mike Duggan speaking with neighbors during a block-club meeting in Karen Whitsett’s home.
Mayor Mike Duggan speaks with neighbors during a block-club meeting in our home.
Mayor Mike Duggan seated beside a community member during the block-club meeting at Karen Whitsett’s home.
Mayor Duggan listens alongside community members at the meeting.

The campaign begins

One of my first campaign pieces.

This was one of my first campaign pieces as I ran to represent Michigan’s 9th District.

An early Karen Whitsett for State Representative campaign flyer highlighting her community advocacy and policy priorities.
An early Karen Whitsett for State Representative campaign mailer with her portrait and a letter to District 9 neighbors.

Answering the call to serve

The day I announced my run for State Representative.

When I announced my campaign, the people who knew me, loved me and believed in the work showed up. My family, my childhood friend Carol and Mayor Mike Duggan were there as the next chapter began.

Karen Whitsett in a coral suit standing with Mayor Mike Duggan at her State Representative campaign announcement.
With Mayor Mike Duggan at the gathering where I announced my run for State Representative.
Karen Whitsett embracing her childhood friend Carol at the campaign announcement.
With Carol, my childhood friend, on the day I announced my campaign.
Karen Whitsett surrounded by family and supporters at her State Representative campaign announcement.
My family and supporters gathered around me as the campaign began.

From the doors to the oath

14,000 doors. No volunteer team—just me and Jason.

Jason and I knocked 14,000 doors ourselves. We walked the district, met neighbors where they lived—even the ones with horses—and earned every vote one conversation at a time. Election night brought the win. Then friends, family and supporters stood with us as Mayor Mike Duggan administered the oath and the work inside the Michigan House began.

01
The doors
Karen Whitsett holding campaign literature outside a residential doorway.
No volunteers. Jason and I knocked 14,000 doors ourselves—one household and one conversation at a time.
Karen Whitsett laughing beside two horses behind a white fence.
Yes, those horses were actually inside my district.
02
The win—and what followed
Karen Whitsett and Jason smiling in Karen Whitsett for State Rep campaign shirts on election night.
Election night—after Jason and I knocked 14,000 doors ourselves, we won.
Karen Whitsett smiling for a selfie with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.
With Republican Governor Rick Snyder.
03
The oath
A crowded room of friends, family and supporters applauding at Karen Whitsett’s swearing-in.
Friends, family and supporters packed the room to witness the swearing-in.
Mayor Mike Duggan administering the oath of office to Karen Whitsett as Jason holds the Bible.
Mayor Mike Duggan administered the oath while Jason held the Bible.
Karen Whitsett standing at an ornate legislative rostrum holding a gavel.
Ready to begin the work in the Michigan House.

The people beside me

The people beside me—and the work before us.

Public service put me alongside people from every corner of Michigan politics. Some became mentors, some colleagues and some genuine friends across the aisle. We did not always agree—but I always showed up, spoke plainly and remembered who sent me there.

01
Side by side, hand in hand
Karen Whitsett and Jason walking hand in hand along a Detroit sidewalk at night, photographed from behind.
Through every door, every late night and every fight—together.

My best friend, cheerleader, tear-wiper, truth serum and ice-cream buddy. God-fearing, Jesus Christ-loving and Holy Ghost-filled.

Side by side, hand in hand—when you move, I move, just like that.

— Karen, on Jason
02
History, leadership and friendship
Karen Whitsett speaking with former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow at an outdoor campaign event.
With former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow on the campaign trail.
Karen Whitsett standing between Carl and Andy Levin at an outdoor campaign event.
With the late U.S. Senator Carl Levin and his nephew, former U.S. Representative Andy Levin—two generations of Michigan public service.
Karen Whitsett and Jason posing with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and another guest at an indoor event.
With Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Michigan’s first Black lieutenant governor, Jason and friends.
Karen Whitsett posing with Congressman John Conyers Jr. at a public event.
With the late Congressman John Conyers Jr.—a Detroit civil-rights giant and the longest-serving African American member of Congress.
Karen Whitsett taking a selfie with Michigan House Clerk Gary L. Randall inside the Michigan Capitol.
Michigan House Clerk Gary L. Randall was the very first Republican I met in Lansing—and he is still my friend.
Karen Whitsett posing with Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett at an indoor gathering.
With Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett—two women committed to serving the people.
03
Agree when it helps. Speak when it matters.
A chunk of pavement displayed beside a handwritten card reading Fix the Roads.
Yes—fix the roads, Big Gretch! Sometimes the message really was written in stone.
Michigan House Democrats graphic quoting Karen Whitsett’s support for repealing the retirement tax.
One of the rare times Governor Whitmer and I agreed—and yes, I even used the House Democrats’ graphic. Retirees deserved the pensions they worked so hard to earn.
Karen Whitsett speaking into microphones at an outdoor press conference with people standing behind her.
At the microphone—making my case clearly, publicly and directly.

Children, conviction and common ground

Read the story. Keep your word.

Public service took me from classroom rugs to presidential politics. The setting changed, but my approach did not: show up, speak plainly and mean what you say—even when the people in the room do not all agree.

01
March is Reading Month
A child and school staff member at a front desk beside a March Is Reading Month poster featuring Karen Whitsett.
March is Reading Month—encouraging young readers from the moment they enter the school.
Karen Whitsett reads a picture book to elementary students seated on a colorful classroom rug.
Reading with students during March is Reading Month. A love of books can open a child’s whole world.
02
My yes meant something

“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’”

Matthew 5:37
In 2019, I was among the first Michigan state legislators to endorse Joe Biden for president. At Detroit One Coney Island after the Democratic presidential debate, I made my case for why I believed he deserved their support. Working across the aisle has never meant changing who I am. It means telling the truth, keeping my word and finding common ground wherever it can move people forward.
Karen Whitsett speaks with Joe Biden amid reporters and cameras at a Detroit event.
Making the case face to face during Joe Biden’s Detroit visit.
Karen Whitsett listens as Joe Biden speaks during a crowded Detroit gathering.
Listening, speaking plainly and standing by my word.
Karen Whitsett, Joe Biden, Jason Whitsett and another attendee smile for a group selfie at a Detroit event.
Building support for Joe Biden in Detroit, with Jason beside me and community voices in the room.
Karen Whitsett smiles with U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and Valerie Biden Owens at a Detroit gathering.
With U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and Valerie Biden Owens, Joe Biden’s sister and longtime campaign adviser.
Detroit Free Press clipping headlined I can win Michigan, Biden tells Detroiters over coneys.
Detroit Free Press coverage from the personal archive.

August 2019 · Detroit

One conversation became part of the record.

The newspaper captured Joe Biden meeting Detroiters over coneys. I am there in the published event photograph—showing up, asking questions and helping bring more voices into the conversation.

Photos from Karen Whitsett’s personal archive.

Issues & Bills

Rights, results & bipartisan work.

A clear look at where I stand, what I sponsored, what became law and why it matters.

Karen Whitsett wearing eye and ear protection at an indoor shooting range, holding a paper silhouette target.
Karen Whitsett at an indoor shooting range. Personal archive.

Rights + Responsibility

The right matters. So does the responsibility.

Lawful ownership, training, safe handling, secure storage and personal responsibility belong in the same conversation.

Protecting families means respecting rights while expecting every gun owner to take safety seriously.

Sponsored Legislation

The record—and the reason behind it.

Public Act 82 of 2024

House Bill 4331 · Sponsored by Karen Whitsett

Faster action after fire damage

Gives local governments more flexibility to repair or demolish fire-damaged property before abandonment becomes neighborhood blight.

View the official bill record

Public Act 83 of 2024

House Bill 4332 · Sponsored by Karen Whitsett

Real accountability for blight

Raises the pressure on repeat offenders to correct unsafe blight violations instead of leaving neighborhoods to carry the cost.

View the official bill record

Public Act 185 of 2023

House Bill 4568 · Sponsored by Karen Whitsett

A ride should never block a vote

Removed an outdated transportation barrier so eligible voters can get practical help—including a paid ride—to reach the polls.

View the official bill record

Bipartisan package · Introduced

House Bill 4867 · Sponsored by Karen Whitsett

Earlier help after lead exposure

Would connect children under three with elevated blood-lead levels to Early On services for developmental support alongside medical follow-up.

View the official bill record

The Podcast

Talk That Talk

Father centered. God driven. Family focused.

Real answers for single dads fighting to stay present in their children’s lives. We take on Friend of the Court—too often no friend to fathers—and address DNA and paternity, child-support arrearages, parenting time, denied visitation and parental alienation.

Then we help fathers rebuild through anger management, fatherhood training, skilled-trades training, credit help, job placement and support to put down weed.

We meet fathers where they are—but we do not leave them there. Every conversation points back to Jesus Christ and the Bible: personal responsibility, self-control, work, faithful fatherhood and God’s design for marriage before children. The goal is restored men, stronger families and children who know their fathers.

Listen to Talk That Talk
When did you first fall in love with Jesus? Karen's testimony
Talk That Talk graphic featuring Karen Whitsett and the words I’m Coming Out as White

Featured Media

Reality Matters.

Current Series: White Privilege

Using sharp humor and real-life situations to break and fight stereotypes of every kind. Featured episode: “I’m Coming Out… As White?!”

Support Reality MattersExplore the national press archive
Community Appearance · DBusiness · September 19, 2022Charity Preview at Detroit Auto Show 2022Karen and Jason Whitsett joined Detroit’s black-tie Charity Preview benefiting regional children’s and community nonprofits.View the original gallery

Speaking · Media · Faith · Community

Invite Karen to join the conversation.

Karen welcomes invitations for interviews, conversations and gatherings—from radio, podcasts and television to churches, Bible studies, women’s groups, conferences, community events and other meaningful engagements. Share the details below, and her team will follow up about availability and next steps.

By submitting, you agree that Karen Whitsett Media may contact you about this request. You will not be added to the mailing list unless you subscribe separately. Submitting a request does not confirm Karen’s participation.

Prefer email? kmwhitsett@icloud.com

In the News

Faith in action. Service with results.

A focused selection highlighting faith, leadership and measurable community impact—chosen for credibility, substance and range.

ClickOnDetroit | WDIV Local 4

Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett says she won’t run for office again due to Christian faith

Local coverage of Whitsett’s faith-led decision to close her chapter in elected office and focus on her commitment to Jesus and ministry.

Read the original story
Michigan House Democrats — Official Release

Michigan lawmakers unveil bipartisan package to reduce lead risks statewide

Whitsett’s bill in the four-part package would connect young children with elevated blood-lead levels to Early On support and intervention services.

Read the original story
State of Michigan

Gov. Whitmer signs bills to put more money in your pocket and strengthen communities

The signed package includes Whitsett-sponsored measures giving communities more tools to repair or remove dangerous properties and address blight violations.

Read the original story
WEMU 89.1

Michigan House votes to lift restrictions on helping voters get to the polls

Independent public-radio coverage of Whitsett’s legislation protecting people who provide rides and practical help so eligible voters can reach the polls.

Read the original story
City of Detroit

Mayor Duggan, state lawmakers announce $15M boost to Renew Detroit home-repair program

An official City update on funding Whitsett and fellow lawmakers helped secure to expand major home repairs for Detroit seniors and homeowners with disabilities.

Read the original story
Michigan House Democrats — Official Update

Rep. Whitsett continues work to help Detroit through the state budget

An official summary of Detroit investments spanning neighborhood development, home repair, broadband, mental-health facilities, libraries and schools.

Read the original story
Michigan House Republicans — Official Release

Speaker Wentworth and Rep. Whitsett announce $15 million plan to support Detroit PAL

Whitsett joined House Speaker Jason Wentworth to advance a five-year investment in Detroit PAL’s youth sports, mentorship and community-policing programs.

Read the original story