By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great local journalism.
Stacey Abrams to deliver Democratic response to State of the Union
FCN Stacey Abrams 3 102818
Stacey Abrams, the Democratic candidate for Georgia governor, speaks to a crowd of supporters on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, as part of her "We Are Georgia" bus tour with other party candidates. - photo by Brian Paglia

WASHINGTON — Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer says Stacey Abrams will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union address.

Schumer told reporters on Tuesday that he asked Abrams three weeks ago and he was "delighted" when she accepted. The role elevates Abrams in Democratic politics after she narrowly lost the Georgia governor's race in November. Schumer called Abrams a "great spokesperson" and a leader on voting rights.

A group backed by Abrams filed a federal lawsuit this month saying Georgia deprived many low-income people and minorities of their voting rights with Brian Kemp, then secretary of state, overseeing the 2018 election. After a long dispute, Kemp won the governorship.

Senate Democrats are urging Abrams to run for the Senate in 2020 against Republican Sen. David Perdue.