Democrat Mike Thompson selected as party’s ‘designated survivor’ for State of the Union, extending streak
The Hill
by Max RegoFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) has been selected as the Democrats’ designated survivor for President Trump’s upcoming State of the Union address. In a statement released Monday, Thompson revealed that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) chose him for this role. As designated survivor, Thompson will watch the speech from a secure, undisclosed location off Capitol Hill.
The tradition of a designated survivor dates back to the 9/11 attacks and serves as a security measure to ensure continuity of government in case of an emergency during such high-profile events. This year marks the first time a Democrat has been chosen for this role under President Trump’s administration. Thompson, known for his experience in national security and defense issues, is seen as a strong choice for this responsibility.
Thompson’s selection highlights the ongoing tensions between the two parties and underscores the importance of preparedness during major political events. His role also reflects the evolving nature of political security protocols in modern Washington. As the designated survivor, Thompson will remain on standby to step into leadership roles if needed, ensuring that the government can function even in the face of potential threats.
This decision matters because it speaks to the broader context of political and security concerns surrounding major events like the State of the Union address. For readers interested in politics, this highlights the behind-the-scenes measures taken to ensure safety and stability during critical moments in the political calendar.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026