Gretchen Whitmer has been tapped by Democratic leaders to deliver the party’s response to President Trump's State of the Union address -- a move that highlights both Whitmer’s rise within the party and the importance Democrats have put on winning Michigan come November’s general election. Whitmer became the Wolverine state’s governor after defeating GOP nominee Bill Schuette in the 2018 midterm elections to replace Republican Gov. Her win was seen as a major coup for Democrats after Trump became the first Republican since George H.W. PELOSI, DAYS AFTER IMPEACHING PRESIDENT, INVITES TRUMP TO DELIVER STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSWhitmer is a former prosecutor who had previously served as Democratic leader in the Michigan state Senate and was the first woman to lead the Senate caucus. Whitmer will give her response to Trump’s address almost immediately after the president finishes talking.

Source: Fox News February 02, 2020 18:00 UTC