NEWS: Senator Alex Padilla to Deliver Democratic Spanish Response to President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that he will deliver the Democratic Spanish language response to President Trump's State of the Union Address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-08) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also announced that Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic Response to the speech.

"Americans don't need another speech from Donald Trump pretending everything is fine when their bills are too high, paychecks are too low, and masked and militarized federal agents are roaming our communities violating Constitutional rights on a daily basis. We refuse to accept his failed economic agenda that makes billionaires richer while middle class Americans see their health care costs rise. We refuse to accept a federal government that weaponizes enforcement agencies against immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. And we refuse to accept attacks on the right to vote. There is a better path - one that lowers costs, safeguards our democracy, and reins in rogue federal agencies. Americans demand and deserve accountability, stability, and a government that works for them. That's what I'll be discussing on Tuesday," said Senator Padilla.

"The son of two Mexican immigrants and California's first Latino U.S. Senator, Sen. Alex Padilla is a devoted public servant, extraordinary trailblazer and fierce fighter for Californians and the diverse community he represents. As Donald Trump, Kristi Noem and MAGA extremists have tried to silence the voices of our Latino brothers and sisters, Senator Alex Padilla has consistently fought back and proven Democrats will not bend the knee to this out-of-control administration. House Democrats are proud to have Senator Padilla leading the way as we communicate to Spanish-speaking households across the nation," said Leader Jeffries.

"As the son of immigrants, Senator Padilla knows firsthand what opportunity in America can mean - and he's spent his career fighting to keep that promise alive. From lowering costs to defending our democracy, he's delivered for working families. His message will stand in sharp contrast to President Trump's chaos and self-dealing," said Leader Schumer.

Senator Alex Padilla is the first Latino elected to represent California in the United States Senate. A life-long California, Padilla grew up in a working-class community in the San Fernando Valley before earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Returning home after earning his degree, Senator Padilla was inspired to enter public service in response to California's anti-immigrant Proposition 187. Padilla went on to be elected to the Los Angeles City Council, to the California State Senate, and as California's first Latino Secretary of State where he oversaw a historic expansion of voting rights and voter participation, strengthening access to the ballot for millions of Californians.

First appointed to the Senate in January of 2021 to fill the vacancy of Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Padilla won a full term in November 2022. In the Senate, Padilla has been a leader on issues ranging from immigration, to voting rights, to climate change, with the goal of ensuring everyone has the same fair shot at the American dream his own family had.

Senator Padilla's full biography is available here.

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