Abigail Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to Trump speech

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address following her selection by party leaders. Abigail Spanberger is the first female governor of Virginia and a former CIA officer who recently replaced a Republican after serving in the US House. The address arrives during a partial government shutdown caused by a funding impasse over the DHS and the approach of the 2026 midterm elections. While Alex Padilla provides a Spanish-language rebuttal, some lawmakers plan to boycott the speech to hold a protest rally against White House policies.Abigail Spanberger is the first female governor of Virginia and a former CIA officer who recently replaced a Republican after serving in the US House.The address arrives during a partial government shutdown caused by a funding impasse over the DHS and the approach of the 2026 midterm elections.While Alex Padilla provides a Spanish-language rebuttal, some lawmakers plan to boycott the speech to hold a protest rally against White House policies.