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Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) will deliver the Democrats’ response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress next week, the first of his second term.
The freshman senator narrowly won her battleground contest in November, succeeding longtime Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). She is also a former member of the House from a swing district.
“The public expects leaders to level with them on what’s actually happening in our country,” Slotkin said in a statement. “From our economic security to our national security, we’ve got to chart a way forward that actually improves people’s lives in the country we all love, and I’m looking forward to laying that out.”
The role is typically awarded to those within their party seen as up-and-coming figures, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calling her “nothing short of a rising star in our party” who “has proven she can get things done.” Notably, Slotkin’s 0.3 percentage point margin of victory over former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) came despite Vice President Kamala Harris losing the crucial swing state to Trump by 1.4 percentage points.
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“She will offer a bold vision of hope, unity, and a brighter future for everyone, not just the wealthy few at the top,” Schumer said. “Elissa Slotkin will lay out the fight to tackle the deep challenges we face today, chart a path forward, and shape the future of our nation.”
SENATE DEMOCRATS SEE HOPE FOR MIDTERMS WITH 2024 DOWNBALLOT RESULTS
With Slotkin as a more centrist voice among Democrats, progressives have named more left-leaning Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-CA) to deliver their response.
Due to the change in administrations, Trump’s joint address to Congress will not be designated as a State of the Union but will have all the pomp and circumstance of one. Trump’s remarks will be made in the House chamber on March 4.