Texas Congresswoman Skips State of the Union Address

Veronica Escobar cites lack of bipartisanship as reason for boycott

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, representing Texas's 16th Congressional District in El Paso, has announced that she will not be attending the upcoming State of the Union address. Escobar cited the lack of bipartisanship and cooperation in Washington as the primary reason for her decision to skip the event.

Why it matters

The State of the Union address is a high-profile event that is traditionally attended by members of Congress from both parties. Escobar's decision to boycott the event highlights the growing partisan divide in American politics and the challenges facing efforts to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans.

The details

Escobar, who has served in Congress since 2019, said that she has grown increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress on key issues due to the partisan gridlock in Washington. She expressed disappointment that lawmakers have been unable to find common ground on important matters such as immigration reform, healthcare, and climate change.

  • The State of the Union address is scheduled for February 25, 2026.

The players

Veronica Escobar

Congresswoman representing Texas's 16th Congressional District in El Paso.

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What they’re saying

“I've decided not to attend the State of the Union this year because I don't believe the current political climate in Washington is conducive to meaningful dialogue and progress on the issues that matter most to my constituents.”

— Veronica Escobar, Congresswoman (Slate)

What’s next

Escobar's decision to skip the State of the Union address is likely to be seen as a symbolic gesture, but it remains to be seen whether it will have any tangible impact on the ongoing partisan gridlock in Congress.

The takeaway

Escobar's boycott of the State of the Union highlights the growing divide between Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and the challenges facing efforts to find common ground on important issues facing the country.