ATLANTA — Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will deliver the Democratic response after next week’s State of the Union.
Channel 2's Richard Elliot confirmed the move Tuesday with a spokesperson for Abrams.
#Breaking A spokesperson for former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams confirms Abrams will give the Democratic response to next week's State of the Union.
— Richard Elliot (@RElliotWSB) January 29, 2019
"Three weeks ago, I called Stacey Abrams and asked her to deliver the response to the State of the Union," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters during a press conference.
"I was very delighted when she agreed. And she is just a great spokesperson, she's an incredibly leader. She has led the charge for voting rights, which is at the root of just about everything else. And she really is, if you look at her background, she knows what working people, middle class people go through," Schumer said.
NEW: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announces Stacey Abrams will deliver the Democrats' response to the State of the Union.
— ABC News (@ABC) January 29, 2019
"She has led the charge for voting rights, which is at the root of just about everything else." https://t.co/NkJuIoh4fP pic.twitter.com/tbXC2K0rZ5
Stay with WSBTV.com and tune into Channel 2 Action News at 5 p.m. for the latest on this developing story.
Abrams has made a name for herself in national politics following her heated run for Georgia governor against now-Gov. Brian Kemp.
We are thrilled to have @StaceyAbrams deliver the Democratic Response to the State of the Union. Her electrifying message reinvigorated our nation & continues to inspire millions in every part of the country. #SOTU https://t.co/ISywFm7PQ3 pic.twitter.com/JiuOA9kTyj
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 29, 2019
In the days following the November election, Abrams dropped strong suggestions that she's either taking aim for Sen. David Perdue's seat in two years or a rematch against Kemp in four.
The speech will be a high-profile moment for Abrams. She embarked on a “thank you” tour across the state earlier this month.
In the past, the gig has been seen as a launching pad for rising political stars.
Cox Media Group
