Democratic Michigan state Rep. Karen Whitsett publicly criticized fellow party members and U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, alleging that the socialist wing of the Democratic Party is taking Black voters for granted and is ‘more racist than the KKK.’
Whitsett, who represents Detroit, made the remarks in an interview with Fox News Digital, framing the dispute as part of a broader debate over representation and political strategy within the Democratic Party. She argued that Black voters should reconsider their support for candidates aligned with the party’s far-left faction, stating that their interests are not being prioritized.
Whitsett’s comments come amid a contentious primary race in Michigan, where El-Sayed—a progressive former state health director—is seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Whitsett, who has endorsed a different candidate in the race, asserted that El-Sayed does not act in the best interest of Black Michiganders. She also criticized prominent Black leaders, including Al Sharpton and Detroit pastor Horace Sheffield III—an El-Sayed campaign surrogate—for allegedly working to suppress Black political agency.
In her remarks, Whitsett drew a comparison between Democratic Party leaders and historical oppression, stating: ‘It doesn’t change, it’s just different slave owners.’ She further claimed that the far-left wing of the party is ‘more racist than the KKK,’ adding that she sees a ‘serious divide’ between progressive factions and Black voters.
Whitsett also accused some Democratic leaders of focusing too heavily on white voters while ignoring Black communities. She framed the dispute as part of a broader awakening among Black voters, who she said are ‘realizing the power of their vote.’
El-Sayed’s campaign has not yet responded publicly to Whitsett’s remarks. The primary election is scheduled for August 6, 2024.