Virginia Governor to Give Democratic Response to Trump's State of the Union

Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, will deliver the Democratic rebuttal to the President's address next week.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address next week. Spanberger, who previously served three terms in Congress, became Virginia's first female governor earlier this year after winning a resounding victory. She will use the high-profile opportunity to outline a Democratic vision focused on lowering costs for families, protecting healthcare, and defending American values.

Why it matters

The State of the Union response is a key moment for the opposition party to present an alternative vision and critique the President's agenda. As a former CIA officer and now the first female governor of Virginia, Spanberger brings national security and bipartisan governing credentials to the Democratic rebuttal.

The details

Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response immediately following Trump's address to Congress next Tuesday. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Spanberger 'will lay out a clear path forward: lower everyday costs, protect healthcare, and defend the freedoms that define who we are as a nation.' House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Spanberger as 'embody[ing] the best of America as a mother, community leader and dedicated public servant.'

  • Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, following President Trump's State of the Union address.
  • Spanberger became Virginia's first female governor earlier this year after winning a resounding victory.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Governor of Virginia and a former CIA case officer who previously served three terms in Congress.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who will deliver the State of the Union address.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Democratic Leader.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Democratic Leader.

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What they’re saying

“Gov. Spanberger will lay out a clear path forward: lower everyday costs, protect healthcare, and defend the freedoms that define who we are as a nation.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Leader (wnyt.com)

“Spanberger embodies the best of America as a mother, community leader and dedicated public servant.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader (wnyt.com)

What’s next

The State of the Union address and Spanberger's Democratic response will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The takeaway

Spanberger's selection to deliver the Democratic response highlights the party's focus on kitchen-table issues like affordability and healthcare, as well as its effort to elevate new voices and leaders like the first-term Virginia governor. Her national security background and bipartisan approach also position her as a counterpoint to the divisiveness that has often defined Trump's tenure.