Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett is sharing the story behind her dramatic shift in faith and politics, and it’s unlike anything she’s said before.
In an exclusive, long-form interview on “The Good Report with Caleb Parke,” the Detroit Democrat opened up about a near-death experience she says changed everything.
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“I thought I made it… and then I plummeted,” Whitsett said. “I was plummeting straight into hell.”
🎧 Watch / Listen to the Full Interview on Spotify
A Glimpse of Eternity
Whitsett described a terrifying medical and spiritual crisis in December 2024 that she believes altered the course of her life.
“I died on December 23rd,” she said. “I close my eyes, I see flames. I open my eyes, I see flames. I could see faces in the fire and feel the heat.”
She said the experience forced her to confront her faith in a way she never had before.
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“I had no fruit. I was not telling anyone about Jesus Christ,” she said.
According to Whitsett, the moment ended when she made a final declaration of faith.
“I said, ‘Jesus, I’m not going to stop praising you.’ And that’s when everything stopped.”
Breaking with Politics
Whitsett, a longtime Democrat representing Detroit, has increasingly broken with her party on major issues, including abortion, gender identity policies, and legislative practices in Lansing.
“I don’t co-sign crazy. I’m not going to hell for nobody,” she said of gender identity issues where men can identify as women on their driver’s license with no surgery or counseling necessary.
She also pointed to what she described as “ghost bills” and political pressure behind the scenes, saying her convictions now outweigh party loyalty.
“I had to put God above politics,” Whitsett said.
A New Mission
Rather than simply stepping away, Whitsett says she is moving toward a new purpose centered on faith and family.
She is launching the 313 Action Network, focused on strengthening families — particularly by supporting fathers and addressing generational issues in the Black community.
“God has given me direction,” she said. “I have to make heaven crowded.”
A Different Kind of Conversation
The interview marks the launch of “The Good Report with Caleb Parke,” a new podcast focused on faith, culture, and the stories shaping the country.
The conversation goes beyond headlines, diving into Whitsett’s personal experiences, political battles, and spiritual transformation.
📣 BONUS CONTENT
A bonus segment from the interview — including behind-the-scenes moments and additional discussion — is available exclusively for subscribers. Click here to subscribe!
In the bonus, Whitsett shares a more personal side of her experience, including her conversations with President Trump.
“He is actually hilarious… extremely kindhearted and a genuine person,” she said. “He would call just to see how I was doing… he didn’t have to.”
She also offered a candid perspective on the pressure of public life:
“If I’m going to get a death threat, it’s going to be for Jesus — not for something I can’t control.”
🔔 FOLLOW & LISTEN
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/01eBmTuOmGGPvDcLYPCdgP?si=fdd961b525814827
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Caleb Parke is an award-winning independent journalist and podcaster. Follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and connect with him at calebparke.com.
