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WASHINGTON — Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech next month — a coveted gig for the El Paso Democrat still in her first term in Congress.

Escobar, who shares with Houston Democrat Rep. Sylvia Garcia the distinction of being the first Texas Latinas ever elected to Congress, will deliver the Spanish language response to Trump, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Friday, noting that Escobar’s election made history.

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Both of the Texas Democrats have rapidly gained clout in their first terms in office. Pelosi put Garcia on the team of Democrats presenting the House’s case for impeachment to the Senate.

“Our diversity is our strength,” Escobar said. “Now more than ever, Democrats will continue to celebrate our diversity, defend our democracy, and work for a more equal and just nation.”

Escobar has quickly made a name for herself as an advocate for reforming gun laws after a mass shooting in El Paso in which 22 people died last summer, and as a vocal supporter of impeachment from her seat on the House Judiciary Committee that drafted the articles charging Trump with abusing his power and obstructing Congress.

“In the House of Representatives, she is making a difference for El Pasoans and for all Americans, as she fights to end the gun violence epidemic and to protect children and families at the southwest border,” Pelosi said in a statement about Escobar. “Her values and vision beautifully represent our party and our country, and we look forward to hearing her positive message of progress.”

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The State of Union rebuttal is often given to those seen as rising stars in their party. Democrat Stacey Abrams, who narrowly lost the 2018 race for governor in Georgia, gave the response last year.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will give the English-language rebuttal to the State of the Union address.

ben.wermund@chron.com