Abigail Spanberger in Focus Ahead of Trump’s State of the...

Abigail Spanberger, the governor of Virginia, is in the spotlight this week as she is to deliver the Democratic Party's response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address this week. Trump will speak to Congress in his State of the Union address on Tuesday. Why It Matters The State of the Union rebuttal is an opportunity for the Democratic Party to make its case to the nation ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections. Traditionally, it's also a spot that features what is considered to be an up-and-comer within the party. What To Know Spanberger, 46, is a former undercover CIA officer. She served three terms in Congress from 2018 before becoming Virginia's first female governor earlier this year. Her victory flipped Virginia’s governorship from red to blue after she defeated her Republican rival Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears by nearly 16 percentage points. Spanberger is considered to be a moderate Democrat— she described herself as a "passionate pragmatist," per The Washington Post. Her background in national security could indicate the political path the party wants to tread ahead of the midterms. She said in a statement she was looking forward "to laying out" what Americans "expect and deserve" in her response to Trump's speech. She added that Americans are dealing "with rising costs, chaos in their communities, and a real fear of what each day might bring." Virginia lawmakers approved legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, setting the stage for the first increase of its kind in years. Spanberger, as new governor, supported the move, framing the increase as needed relief for families whose wages have not kept pace with costs. A group of Democratic lawmakers plan to boycott Trump's address next week and attend a coordinated outdoor rally on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, instead. At least a dozen Democrats in Congress are skipping the address to instead attend the “People’s State of the Union” rally at 8:30 p.m. ET. Trump’s speech is scheduled for 9 p.m. What People Are Saying House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement: "I am honored to announce that Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to the State of the Union Address. A trusted public servant, Governor Spanberger began her career as a Postal Inspector and national security professional, protecting the country against our adversaries. She went on to vigorously serve her community in Congress. In November, she won the Governorship in Virginia by the largest margin for a Democratic candidate in six decades. Throughout her career, Governor Spanberger has worked to deliver real results for everyone, while upholding the Constitution." Governor Abigail Spanberger said in a statement: “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. Next week, I look forward to laying out what these Americans expect and deserve—leaders who are working hard to deliver for them.” What Happens Next The rebuttal follows the state of the Union address, which takes place on February 24, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET. All major networks—ABC, CNN, PBS, and Fox News—plan to air the speech, with several also offering livestreams on their websites and apps. Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the Democrats' Spanish-language response to the speech. In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.