Three Arizona Democrats to boycott State of the Union address

The lawmakers say they will not attend President Trump's speech, citing his administration's disregard for the rule of law and Constitution.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Three Arizona Democrats, Sen. Ruben Gallego and Reps. Yassamin Ansari and Adelita Grijalva, have announced they will not attend President Donald Trump's 2026 State of the Union address. The lawmakers cited the administration's disregard for the rule of law and the Constitution, as well as a desire to avoid listening to "more lies." Instead, they will join a rally called the People's State of the Union organized by progressive groups.

Why it matters

The boycott by the Arizona Democrats is part of a broader effort by some members of the opposition party to avoid legitimizing Trump's presidency and policies. It reflects the deep partisan divisions in the country and the continuing fallout from Trump's norm-breaking behavior while in office.

The details

Gallego, Ansari and Grijalva are joining other Democrats who are boycotting Trump's 7 p.m. (Arizona time) speech. Ansari is bringing the partner of a cancer-stricken woman being held at the Eloy Detention Center, while Grijalva is giving her guest ticket to Rep. Ilhan Omar so she can bring a U.S. citizen of Somali descent who was detained by federal immigration agents. The alternative People's State of the Union event will be held an hour before Trump's address and livestreamed.

  • President Trump's 2026 State of the Union address is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. Arizona time.
  • The People's State of the Union rally is scheduled to start an hour before Trump's speech.

The players

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic senator from Arizona.

Yassamin Ansari

A Democratic representative from Arizona.

Adelita Grijalva

A Democratic representative from Arizona.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

MoveOn Civic Action

An activist group organizing the People's State of the Union event.

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What they’re saying

“This administration continues to disregard the rule of law and the Constitution while failing to lower costs for American families. I have more productive ways to spend two hours than listening to more lies. I'll pass.”

— Ruben Gallego, Democratic senator from Arizona (KTAR News)

“Last year, I walked out of President Trump's State of the Union because I refused to normalize the most corrupt and authoritarian administration in American history. This year, I am honored to be joined by Sonia, who has spent more than a year fighting for her loved one, Yari, who was stripped of her residency and imprisoned at the Eloy Detention Center and is suffering from leukemia. Together, we will make sure Americans get an honest account of the state of our union.”

— Yassamin Ansari, Democratic representative from Arizona (KTAR News)

“I will not sit silently while Trump gaslights the American people with lies about how great everything is. If Trump wants to boast about his reckless and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, he should do it in front of the people who these policies have directly harmed.”

— Adelita Grijalva, Democratic representative from Arizona (KTAR News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The boycott by the Arizona Democrats reflects the deep partisan divisions in the country and the continuing fallout from Trump's norm-breaking behavior while in office. It highlights the ongoing tensions between the president and the opposition party, as well as concerns about the administration's policies and respect for democratic norms.