Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor of Georgia, to deliver the Democratic response to Trump’s State of the Union address.
Stacey Abrams, the rising political star who marshaled the power of black women voters but narrowly lost the Georgia governor’s race, will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, congressional Democrats said Tuesday.
The choice elevates Abrams in Democratic politics as the party looks to keep core supporters, such as black women who anchor the base, energized ahead of the 2020 congressional and presidential elections. It also sets up an implicit contrast with Trump, who has a history of questioning the intellect and integrity of nonwhite politicians.
« She is just a great spokesperson. She is an incredible leader. She has led the charge for voting rights, which is at the root of just about everything else, » said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who, along with other Democrats, is urging Abrams to challenge Republican Sen. David Perdue, one of Trump’s most outspoken allies on Capitol Hill. « She knows what working people, the middle class, go through. »
For her part, Abrams said in a statement that she intends to « deliver a vision for prosperity and equality, where everyone in our nation has a voice and where each of those voices is heard. »
Abrams narrowly lost the governor’s race to Republican Brian Kemp after a protracted challenge over blocked votes.
