Freshman Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) has been chosen to deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's upcoming address to a joint session of Congress. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced the selection, praising Slotkin as a "rising star" in the party. Slotkin expressed her anticipation for the opportunity to address the American people directly, emphasizing her focus on tackling the nation's challenges.
Slotkin won a closely contested Senate race in Michigan, a state also won by Trump in the 2024 election. Her victory over Republican Mike Rogers was by a narrow margin. Since joining the Senate, she has gained attention for her willingness to critique her own party, particularly its focus on identity politics.
A former CIA analyst with three tours in Iraq, Slotkin also served in the Pentagon and White House under both Presidents Bush and Obama. Obama nominated her as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in 2014. Before entering the Senate, she served multiple terms in the House of Representatives after unseating a Republican incumbent in a competitive Michigan district.
Political commentators see Slotkin's selection as a strategic move. Jim Manley, a former aide to Senator Harry Reid, described Slotkin as an "excellent choice," especially if Trump's address focuses on divisive rhetoric rather than addressing swing voters' concerns. Jim Kessler, a former Schumer aide, highlighted Slotkin's reputation for being "tough, smart, and unafraid." He anticipates that she will address economic issues, given concerns about Trump's economic performance.
Even Michigan Republican strategist Jason Cabel Roe acknowledged Slotkin as "one of the better options Democrats have," particularly considering the internal divisions within the Democratic party. He sees her selection as reflecting the ongoing tension between progressive and traditional factions within the party.
