Gov. Whitmer To Deliver Democratic Response At State Of The Union

MICHIGAN — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver the Democratic Response to President Trump’s State of the Union address, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Friday.

The address is set for Feb. 4.

“Since day one, Governor Whitmer has rolled up her sleeves to get things done for the people of Michigan,” said Pelosi in the announcement. “During her time in public service, she has led the charge to expand health care to hundreds of thousands of people, expand protections for hard-working middle-class families and ensure clean drinking water in our communities. Her decades of hard work on behalf of the people should serve as a model for our nation. She’s a forward-looking leader who is laser-focused on solving problems for everyday Michiganders and is uniquely qualified to deliver Democrats’ message of progress for all Americans.”

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer also made the announcement with Pelosi.

"Governor Whitmer's dedication to Michiganders is a model for public servants everywhere. Thanks to her tireless efforts, thousands more families across the state have access to quality health care, safer drinking water and the opportunity for a good-paying job," he said. "Whether it's pledging to 'Fix the Damn Roads' or investing in climate solutions, Governor Whitmer's vision for the future is exactly what this country needs, and I'm thrilled she is giving the Democratic response.”

Whitmer said that Democrats across the country are focused on building a better country for the next generation.

“As leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure a safe, healthy future for our children and families, and that’s exactly what we’re working toward in Michigan," she said. " That means protecting our environment from the harmful effects of climate change, ensuring a great public education that gets our kids on a path to a good job that they can raise a family on, and keeping them healthy by expanding access to quality, affordable health care and protecting those with pre-existing conditions. This response is an exciting opportunity to show the American people that not only are Democrats getting things done for them, but also for future generations to come.”

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of Texas will deliver the Spanish language response to the speech.