Virginia's First Woman Governor to Deliver Democratic Response to State of the Union

Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, will give the Democratic response to President Trump's address.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Democratic leaders have selected Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, the first woman elected to lead the Commonwealth, to deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on February 24th. Senator Alex Padilla of California will provide the Spanish-language response immediately following Spanberger's remarks.

Why it matters

The selection of Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, signals that Democrats are looking to build a national contrast ahead of the midterm elections by focusing on kitchen-table affordability issues rather than Washington-centric politics. Padilla's inclusion aims to help the party rebuild standing with Latino voters after losses in that demographic in 2024.

The details

Spanberger was elected Virginia's 75th governor in November, becoming the first woman to lead the state. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer cited Spanberger's record of public service and her ability to connect with everyday Americans as key factors in choosing her to deliver the Democratic response.

  • President Trump is scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress at 9 p.m. ET on February 24, 2026.
  • Spanberger was sworn in as Virginia's governor on January 17, 2026.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The first woman elected governor of Virginia, a former CIA officer, and a three-term congresswoman.

Alex Padilla

The first Latino elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate, he will deliver the Spanish-language response to Trump's address.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader, he announced Spanberger's selection to deliver the Democratic response.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, he praised Spanberger's record of public service and her ability to connect with everyday Americans.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who will deliver the State of the Union address on February 24th.

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What they’re saying

“In November, she won the Governorship in Virginia by the largest margin for a Democratic candidate in six decades.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (The Epoch Times)

“As our nation marks its 250th anniversary this summer, Governor Spanberger embodies the best of America as a mother, community leader, and dedicated public servant.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (The Epoch Times)

“Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve—leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia (The Epoch Times)

“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.”

— Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator from California (The Epoch Times)

“Abigail Spanberger 'has always put service over politics' and would 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 Minority Leader (The Epoch Times)

What’s next

At least 12 Democratic lawmakers have announced they will boycott President Trump's State of the Union address and instead attend a competing 'People's State of the Union' rally organized by progressive groups on the National Mall.

The takeaway

The selection of Abigail Spanberger, Virginia's first woman governor, to deliver the Democratic response to the State of the Union underscores the party's efforts to connect with everyday Americans and present a clear contrast to the Trump administration's policies ahead of the midterm elections.