Stacey Abrams to give Democratic response of the State of the Union

By CLARE FORAN and PHIL MATTINGLY | CNN Newswire

Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said Tuesday she has accepted an invitation to give the Democratic response to the State of the Union address.

Abrams has been talked about as a rising star in the Democratic Party. She gained a national following during her unsuccessful bid to become governor of Georgia last fall. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday said he called Abrams three weeks ago to discuss the idea and that she has since accepted.

Abrams said on Tuesday that she is “honored” to give the Democratic response. Abrams’ spokesperson said Abrams would be the first black woman to give the Democratic response to the State of the Union.”

At a moment when our nation needs to hear from leaders who can unite for a common purpose, I am honored to be delivering the Democratic State of the Union response,” Abrams tweeted.

California Attorney General — and former House member — Xavier Becerra will deliver the Spanish-language response to the speech.

The Democratic response will give Abrams a major platform to counter the President following his address to Congress and the nation — and the speech is sure to further elevate her national profile.

“Her electrifying message of courage, perseverance, and hope reinvigorated our nation and our politics, and continues to inspire millions of Americans in every part of the country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. “Stacey Abrams embodies the American Dream, and her powerful message of progress for all is deeply needed during this time for our country.“

“Stacey Abrams offers a welcome, stark contrast to President (Donald) Trump’s politics of division and lack of leadership as American families are still feeling the impacts of his self-imposed shutdown,” Schumer said in a statement. “Stacey Abrams is a present and future leader in this country. She is a dynamic, moral leader; she delivered results on the issues that matter most to Americans, and she tirelessly pursues fairness and justice for everyone in her state.

“The State of the Union is on track to proceed next week on Tuesday after the government shutdown threw the date it would take place into question.

Pelosi initially invited Trump to deliver the speech on Jan. 29 — but later suggested he postpone the address until the shutdown ended or deliver it in writing.