Rep. Wilson Announces Decision Not to Attend the 2026 State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement announcing that she will not attend the President's upcoming State of the Union address.

"The State of the Union is meant to outline a vision that uplifts every community. I do not believe that is what we will hear.

"Across Florida's 24th Congressional District, families are struggling with rising housing costs, fighting to protect their health care, which is a mess right now, defending their voting rights, fearful of being harassed by ICE, CITIZENS AND NON-CITIZENS, and they are demanding real economic opportunity.

"Our seniors depend on Social Security and Medicare. Our children deserve safe schools that lead to pathways of success while we watch our Department of Education being gutted and our history being erased. Our democracy is at stake as the world watches us destroy ourselves from within.

"I cannot, in good conscience, participate in a forum that I believe will sidestep the urgent realities facing working families and continue policies that disproportionately harm Black and Brown communities, immigrants, women, and low-income people.

"My responsibility is to the people of South Florida, especially those in District 24. While the President delivers his remarks, I will continue doing the work that matters: fighting for federal investments in our communities, protecting fundamental rights, and standing firm for justice.

"The true State of the Union is not measured by applause inside a chamber. It is measured by whether everyday Americans feel seen, heard, and supported. I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of Florida's 24th Congressional District are never ignored."