Virginia Governor to Deliver Democratic Response to State of the Union

Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, will offer the party's counterpoint to President Trump's address.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's upcoming State of the Union address. Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, became the state's first female governor earlier this year after winning a decisive election victory. She will use the high-profile platform 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 opportunity for the opposition party to offer a counterpoint to the president's agenda. As a rising star in the Democratic party, Spanberger's selection signals the party's confidence in her ability to articulate their priorities to a national audience.

The details

Spanberger will deliver the Democratic rebuttal immediately following Trump's address to Congress next Tuesday. In her remarks, she is expected to highlight her background as a public servant and national security expert, as well as her campaign promises to tackle affordability issues and defend the civil service. The selection of Spanberger, who flipped a Republican-held seat in Congress before becoming governor, also underscores the party's efforts to appeal to moderate and independent voters.

  • Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, following President Trump's State of the Union address.
  • Spanberger was elected as Virginia's governor in November 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the office.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Democratic Governor of Virginia, a former CIA case officer who campaigned on issues of affordability and public service.

Donald Trump

The current President of the United States, who will deliver the State of the Union address that Spanberger will be responding to.

Chuck Schumer

The Democratic Leader in the U.S. Senate, who announced Spanberger as the party's choice to deliver the State of the Union response.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives, who praised Spanberger as embodying "the best of America" in his announcement of her selection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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 (ksgf.com)

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

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

“Those who have devoted their lives to public service, you are worried about an administration that is gilding buildings while schools crumble, breaking the social safety net and sowing fear across our communities. Betraying the values of who we are as Americans.”

— Abigail Spanberger (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The federal government remains partially shut down as the White House and Congressional Democrats continue to negotiate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, an impasse that is likely to continue through President Trump's State of the Union address next week.

The takeaway

Spanberger's selection as the Democratic respondent to the State of the Union underscores her rising profile within the party and its efforts to appeal to moderate and independent voters. Her background as a former CIA officer and her focus on issues like affordability and public service could help the party craft a compelling counternarrative to the president's message.