State of the Union Address Draws Boycotts, Guests Reflecting California Concerns
California’s congressional delegation is responding to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with a range of approaches – from outright boycotts to carefully chosen guests intended to send a message to the administration. The varied responses reflect the political diversity within the state’s representation in Washington.
Several Democrats have opted to skip the address altogether. Senator Adam Schiff described Trump as an “out-of-control and corrupt president” who has prioritized personal enrichment and retribution over critical issues like climate change, accusing him of turning the Department of Justice and the federal government into a “personal fiefdom.” Joining Schiff in the boycott are Representatives Robert Garcia of Long Beach, Sara Jacobs of San Diego, Sydney Kamlager-Dove of Los Angeles, and Julia Brownley of Westlake Village.
Representative Kamlager-Dove will instead participate in the “People’s State of the Union,” a rally organized by the progressive group MoveOn, held concurrently with the President’s address on the National Mall. She stated the rally will address issues she believes Trump will avoid, including “the high costs of living and health care” and “upholding democracy and our Constitution.”
Senator Alex Padilla will deliver the Democrats’ Spanish-language response following Trump’s speech. Padilla gained attention last year when he was tackled while attempting to question Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during immigration raids in Los Angeles.
Despite the boycotts, many California lawmakers plan to attend the address and bring guests who highlight specific concerns or stories. Annie Farmer, a survivor of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, will be the guest of Representative Robert Garcia, even though he is not attending the speech himself. Representative Eric Swalwell is bringing Teresa J. Helm, another survivor of Epstein’s abuse.
Other lawmakers are bringing constituents to the Capitol. Representative Ken Calvert is bringing Ben Benoit, the Riverside County auditor-controller and a longtime friend. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s guest will be Reverend Devon Jerome Crawford, senior pastor of historic Third Baptist Church of San Francisco.
California, with the largest congressional delegation in the nation, often plays a prominent role in national political events. The state’s lawmakers have a history of making statements during the State of the Union, notably when Pelosi famously ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech after the 2020 address.
While it remains to be seen if California officials will stage a similarly dramatic moment this year, the choice of guests underscores the issues and concerns that are top of mind for the state’s representatives as they respond to the President’s address.
