Michigan Democrat declines to align with her 'disconnected party': "I'm better off on my own"

A Michigan Democrat is refusing to caucus with her own party in the state legislature due to a significant "disconnect" from voters after she refused to change her stance on key issues following the party's 2024 loss.

During "The Faulkner Focus" on Thursday, State Rep. Karen Whitsett disclosed the reason behind her decision not to caucus with the Democrats for the upcoming 2025-2026 legislative session.

Whitsett informed Harris Faulkner that he would not be caucusing with them due to their talking points and disconnection, as they were still using the same rhetoric that failed in the race.

"I am capable of interpreting bills, so I do not require someone to instruct me on how to vote," she stated. "It is evident that they have botched the entire voting process, so why should I participate in it? I would rather work independently, read my bills, and accomplish my district's objectives."

Matt Hall, the Republican House speaker, is a close working relationship of Whitsett, which is another reason she won't caucus with the Democrats.

If she caucused with the Republicans, her left-wing colleagues may accuse her of leaking information to them, as she hasn't consistently caucused with her own party in the past.

Whitsett, who previously supported President Biden but met with President-elect Trump, stated that she understands how Trump received significant support from communities of color, which traditionally vote Democrat, in the 2024 election.

"Whitsett stated, "I understand completely. However, do people like, expect, or accept it? No, because as a Black woman in an old White man's world, working on the other side of the aisle is not common. No one appreciates it, but if I were a White man, they would praise me.""

Trump's success in the 2020 election was due to his ability to appeal to Democratic voters, particularly among Hispanics, Black voters, and young voters. He made significant improvements in these groups compared to his 2020 numbers, with a 6-point increase among Hispanics, a 7-point increase among Black voters, and a 10-point increase among young voters.

Notably, these rightward shifts were observed among Hispanic men (+8 points), Black men (+12 points), and men under 30 (+14 points) from 2020.

Planet Chronicle' Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.