Senator Alex Padilla to Deliver Democratic Spanish Response to President Trump's State of the Union Address

Padilla, the first Latino U.S. Senator from California, will respond to Trump's speech in Spanish

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that he will deliver the Democratic Spanish language response to President Trump's State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also announced that Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to the speech.

Why it matters

As the first Latino U.S. Senator from California, Padilla's response in Spanish is seen as an important way to reach and connect with the growing Latino electorate in the United States. His message is expected to contrast sharply with President Trump's policies and rhetoric, which have often been criticized as anti-immigrant.

The details

Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, has been a vocal advocate for immigration reform, voting rights, and addressing climate change during his time in the Senate. In his response, he is expected to highlight the Democratic Party's efforts to lower costs for working families, safeguard democracy, and rein in what he calls 'rogue federal agencies' under the Trump administration.

  • Senator Padilla will deliver the Democratic Spanish response on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, following President Trump's State of the Union Address.

The players

Senator Alex Padilla

The first Latino U.S. Senator from California, Padilla was appointed to the Senate in 2021 and won a full term in 2022. He has been a leader on issues like immigration, voting rights, and climate change.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic Representative from New York's 8th congressional district and the current House Democratic Leader.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Senator from New York and the current Senate Democratic Leader.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia who will deliver the Democratic Response to President Trump's State of the Union Address.

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What they’re saying

“Americans don't need another speech from Donald Trump pretending everything is fine when their bills are too high, paychecks are too low, and masked and militarized federal agents are roaming our communities violating Constitutional rights on a daily basis.”

— Senator Alex Padilla (edhat.com)

“The son of two Mexican immigrants and California's first Latino U.S. Senator, Sen. Alex Padilla is a devoted public servant, extraordinary trailblazer and fierce fighter for Californians and the diverse community he represents.”

— House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (edhat.com)

“As the son of immigrants, Senator Padilla knows firsthand what opportunity in America can mean — and he's spent his career fighting to keep that promise alive.”

— Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (edhat.com)

What’s next

Senator Padilla's full biography is available on his official Senate website.

The takeaway

Padilla's response in Spanish is seen as an important way to connect with the growing Latino electorate and provide a sharp contrast to President Trump's policies and rhetoric, which have often been criticized as anti-immigrant.