WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer says former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.

Schumer told reporters 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 governor’s race in November. Schumer called Abrams a ‘‘great spokesperson’’ and a leader on voting rights.