Elissa Slotkin: Democrats choose new swing state senator to deliver official rebuttal

Democrats have chosen freshman Senator Elissa Slotkin, a rising star in the party, to deliver the official response to President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. Slotkin, a Democrat representing Michigan, a swing state that Trump won in the previous election, is expected to lay out the party’s plan to address the deep challenges facing the country and chart a path forward.

Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, praised Slotkin’s dedication to the country and her experience in national security, noting that she is well-equipped to address the issues facing the nation. Slotkin, who has a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree from Columbia University, has an extensive background in national security, having served three tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst and worked in various roles in the Pentagon and White House under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

In 2014, Slotkin was nominated by Obama to serve as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs at the Pentagon. She later ran for Congress in Michigan in 2018, defeating a Republican incumbent in a key swing district. Despite Trump’s victory in Michigan in 2024, Slotkin managed to secure a Senate seat for Democrats, winning by a narrow margin.

Since taking office, Slotkin has been vocal about the need for Democrats to move away from identity politics and focus on issues that impact the middle class. Her selection to deliver the party’s response to Trump’s address is seen as a strategic move to appeal to swing voters and highlight the party’s commitment to addressing economic and national security concerns.

Political analysts and strategists have praised Slotkin as a strong choice for the Democratic response, noting her centrist views and willingness to tackle tough issues. As the party faces internal divisions between progressive and traditional elements, Slotkin’s message is expected to focus on bread and butter issues that resonate with middle-class voters.

Slotkin’s office declined to comment on her upcoming response, but supporters believe she is well-positioned to deliver a compelling message that highlights the party’s priorities and vision for the future. As Democrats navigate a challenging political landscape, Slotkin’s leadership and experience are seen as valuable assets in shaping the party’s agenda and reaching out to a broad range of voters.