Western Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers respond to State of the Union

U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio and Summer Lee take different approaches to the presidential address

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Two local Democratic members of Congress, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio and U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, took different approaches to the State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Deluzio attended the speech in person with a guest, independent pharmacist Jon Akanowicz, to highlight issues around pharmacy benefit manager reform and drug costs. Meanwhile, Lee was one of around 70 Democrats who boycotted the president's speech, instead participating in the People's State of the Union on the National Mall and later delivering the progressive response, calling Trump's governance an "act of authoritarianism."

Why it matters

The differing approaches by the two Democratic lawmakers highlight the divisions within the party over how to respond to and engage with the president's agenda. Deluzio's decision to attend in person signals a willingness to work across the aisle, while Lee's boycott represents a more confrontational stance against the administration.

The details

Deluzio said he felt it was important to be in the room to "look those folks in the eye and make sure they understand that I'm not going to be intimidated." His guest, Akanowicz, is an advocate for pharmacy benefit manager reform, arguing that PBMs are "using their power to consolidate and squeeze out small pharmacies" through low reimbursements. Meanwhile, Lee was one of around 70 Democrats who boycotted the speech, saying the president's "governance is an act of authoritarianism." She participated in the People's State of the Union on the National Mall and later delivered the progressive response, criticizing Trump's policies on jobs, foreign policy, and immigration enforcement.

  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Chris Deluzio

U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party.

Summer Lee

U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party.

Jon Akanowicz

An independent pharmacist from Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, and an advocate for pharmacy benefit manager reform.

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What they’re saying

“I'm glad that we'll be programming, competing with the president. I thought it was important for me to be in the room. I've got John here to tell the story of what's going on with local pharmacies and drug costs. And again, having just lived through this administration, try to put me and others in prison, for crying out loud. I thought it was important to be there, to look those folks in the eye and make sure they understand that I'm not going to be intimidated.”

— Chris Deluzio, U.S. Representative (WTAE)

“Pharmacies like mine and other independent pharmacies and chain pharmacies for that matter, are getting squeezed out due to under reimbursement from the PBMs that are using their power to consolidate and squeeze out small pharmacies like mine. What I'd like to see specifically done is have fair reimbursement to adequately reimburse us the cost of the medication, plus a dispense fee.”

— Jon Akanowicz, Independent Pharmacist (WTAE)

“Our country is in crisis for millions of Americans. Affordability is out of reach. Trump has driven up the unemployment rate, cutting thousands of federal jobs across the country. Everything he does is making Americans less safe at home and abroad. He's bringing us to the brink of wars in the Middle East and South America. And at home, ICE agents are hunting down human beings, and cities are under siege.”

— Summer Lee, U.S. Representative (WTAE)

The takeaway

The divergent approaches by Deluzio and Lee reflect the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party over how to engage with and respond to the Trump administration's policies. While Deluzio sought to work within the system, Lee's boycott and progressive response signaled a more confrontational stance. This dynamic is likely to continue as the party navigates the challenges facing the country.