Dem Rep Says She Refuses to Caucus With Her Party Because They’re ‘Out Of Touch’

Democratic Michigan state Rep. Karen Whitsett said Thursday that she refuses to caucus with her own party over their “out of touch” and “disconnected” rhetoric.

Whitsett criticized her party’s “talking points” that caused them to lose the 2024 race and argued they are completely “disconnected” with the country during a segment on Fox News’ “The Faulkner Focus.” The state representative accused her colleagues of attempting to make her vote in favor of a bill that she said intended to create tent cities for the homeless, a solution she didn’t believe would solve the homeless issue.

“I’m not gonna caucus with [the Democrats] because of their talking points and the fact that they are disconnected. They’re still using the same rhetoric that lost them the race,” Whitsett said. “So why am I gonna caucus with a group that is totally disconnected and I know how to read a bill. So I don’t need someone to tell me how to vote. Clearly, they have messed up the entire voting system as it is, so why would I do that? I’m better off just being by myself, read my bills, and just get things done for my district.”

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Whitsett, who met with both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump in 2020, stated the meeting with Trump was “more enjoyable” and credited him with helping her raise $840,000 for her district.

“Actually, I was the first elected official to officially endorse Joe Biden. But, I would have to say after COVID happened, meeting with President Donald Trump was definitely a lot easier and more enjoyable. He helped me raise over $840,000 for my district … So that helped bring in [personal protective equipment].”

The congresswoman said she understands why a record number of black, Hispanic and women voters cast their ballots for Trump. She said that her own party does not like when black women like herself attempt to work with Republicans.

Trump made historic inroads with black, Hispanic and blue collar voters in the most recent election. The president-elect earned the most support among Hispanic men against Vice President Kamala Harris by a 54% to 44% margin, and white women  53% to 46%, an NBC News exit poll found.

Trump also won the state of Michigan for the second time in the last three elections in 2024.  Prior to Trump’s 2016 victory in the state, a Republican presidential nominee hadn’t won Michigan since former President George H.W. Bush in 1988.