Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address, party leaders announced Thursday, elevating a battleground-tested executive whose recent electoral success is being viewed as a roadmap for Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

Spanberger, 46, will speak immediately after Trump addresses Congress on Feb. 24. A former CIA officer who served three terms in the U.S. House before winning Virginia’s governorship last year, Spanberger secured a decisive double-digit victory in a state that had previously been led by a Republican. Her campaign centered heavily on lowering costs for families and addressing economic pressures — themes Democrats hope will resonate nationally as voters grapple with inflation and financial uncertainty.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer praised Spanberger as a disciplined and pragmatic public servant capable of drawing a sharp contrast with Trump. In announcing her selection, Jeffries said she represents steady leadership and accountability, while Schumer said she would outline a forward-looking agenda focused on reducing everyday expenses, safeguarding healthcare access and protecting civil liberties.

Spanberger has indicated that her response will address what she describes as Americans’ growing concerns over rising prices, instability in communities and anxiety about the country’s direction. She plans to emphasize what voters expect from their leaders: practical solutions and a focus on delivering tangible results.

Her selection underscores Democrats’ strategy of spotlighting moderates with national security credentials and appeal in competitive territory. Spanberger’s strong performance in Virginia — a politically mixed state — alongside other Democratic wins in gubernatorial races last fall has given the party renewed optimism as it seeks to regain control of the House and potentially the Senate in November. With Trump facing slipping approval ratings tied to economic unease and criticism of his immigration policies, Democrats believe they have an opening.

Traditionally, the rebuttal to a State of the Union address is assigned to an emerging party figure seen as a strong communicator and potential leader. Last year’s Democratic responder, Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, similarly brought a centrist profile and intelligence background. While Spanberger is not widely viewed as a 2028 presidential hopeful, her message discipline and record in swing districts make her a compelling messenger for the current political moment.

In addition to Spanberger’s address, Sen. Alex Padilla of California will deliver the Democratic Spanish-language response. Padilla is expected to criticize what he describes as the Trump administration’s misuse of federal enforcement agencies and its economic agenda, while also addressing voting rights concerns. The California senator, the son of Mexican immigrants and the first Latino to represent the state in the Senate, has become a prominent voice on immigration issues.

Padilla drew national attention last summer after he was physically detained by federal agents during a news conference while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid a sweeping immigration crackdown in Los Angeles. Democrats have pointed to that episode as emblematic of what they call an overreach by the administration.

The party is also working to rebuild support among Latino voters, some of whom shifted toward Trump in the last presidential election but have since expressed frustration over economic conditions and deportation policies.

By pairing Spanberger’s economic-focused message with Padilla’s emphasis on civil rights and immigration, Democratic leaders are aiming to present a unified counterargument to Trump’s address — one centered on affordability, accountability and protecting democratic norms as the midterm elections approach.