Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday as her party looks to replicate her successful messaging on affordability in midterm races this year.
Ms. Spanberger, 46, was sworn in last month as Virginia’s first female governor after a 15-point win over Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in November. It was the largest margin for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in the state in six decades.
“Abigail is a champion for lowering the high cost of living, saving healthcare from the relentless far-right assault and protecting the federal workforce so they can serve the American people without political interference,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement announcing her as the choice.
“She stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump, who will lie, deflect and blame everyone but himself for his failed presidency on Tuesday evening,” the New York Democrat said. “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.”
Ms. Spanberger served in the House for three terms before retiring to run for governor. She flipped a GOP-held seat in 2018, when Democrats retook control of the House in the first midterm cycle after Mr. Trump’s election.
House Democrats are hoping for a repeat this year, the first midterm cycle of Mr. Trump’s second term.
Ms. Spanberger’s messaging against Mr. Trump and his policies could serve as a playbook for Democrats as they gear up for those crucial midterm races.
“We are at a defining moment in our nation’s history. Virginians and Americans across the country are contending with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring,” Ms. Spanberger said. “Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve — leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.”
Sen. Alex Padilla, California Democrat, will deliver the Spanish-language response.
“As the son of immigrants, Senator Padilla knows firsthand what opportunity in America can mean — and he’s spent his career fighting to keep that promise alive,” said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat. “From lowering costs to defending our democracy, he’s delivered for working families. His message will stand in sharp contrast to President Trump’s chaos and self-dealing.”
Mr. Padilla said Democrats refuse to accept Mr. Trump’s “failed economic agenda,” his attacks on the right to vote and the weaponization of immigration enforcement agencies.
The senator said his address will outline “a better path — one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies.”
• Lindsey McPherson can be reached at lmcpherson@washingtontimes.com.
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