Democrats' Response to State of Union Speech to Come from Whitmer, Escobar

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Feb. 4.

Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas will deliver the Spanish-language response.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer made the announcement Friday.

They praised Whitmer for her efforts to ensure clean drinking water in communities across Michigan, which was scarred by the 2014 water crisis in Flint.

Escobar, of El Paso, attended a protest rally in August ahead of Trump's visit to the city after a mass shooting at a Walmart killed 22 people.

"Across the country, Democrats are staying focused on building a stronger, more sustainable country for future generations," said Whitmer in a statement. "This response is an exciting opportunity to show the American people that not only are Democrats getting things done for them, but also for future generations to come."

Escobar will be giving the Spanish-language rebuttal, which will come after Whitmer's speech.

"I am honored to be delivering the Democratic Spanish-language response to President Trump's State of the Union and look forward to addressing our nation on the progress Democrats have made For the People," Escobar said in a statement. "Our diversity is our strength. Now more than ever, Democrats will continue to celebrate our diversity, defend our democracy, and work for a more equal and just nation."

(The Associated Press, CBS News contributed to this report.)