Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will be providing the official Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address, Congressional leaders announced Friday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., praised Whitmer’s work as governor and as a former lawmaker in Michigan in a statement announcing the decision.

Pelosi said Whitmer’s work as a public official should “serve as a model for our nation."

“Since day one, Governor Whitmer has rolled up her sleeves to get things done for the people of Michigan,” Pelosi said in the statement. “She’s a forward-looking leader who is laser-focused on solving problems for everyday Michiganders and is uniquely qualified to deliver Democrats’ message of progress for all Americans.”

“Whether it’s pledging to ‘Fix the Damn Roads’ or investing in climate solutions, Governor Whitmer’s vision for the future is exactly what this country needs, and I’m thrilled she is giving the Democratic response,” Schumer said in the statement.

Whitmer said the response "is an exciting opportunity to show the American people that not only are Democrats getting things done for them, but also for future generations to come.”

“Across the country, Democrats are staying focused on building a stronger, more sustainable country for future generations,” Whitmer said. “As leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure a safe, healthy future for our children and families, and that’s exactly what we’re working toward in Michigan."

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said in a statement she was proud Whitmer was chosen to give the response, noting Whitmer “was critical to our party’s success up and down the ballot in 2018.”

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, will be delivering the Spanish language Democratic response to Trump’s speech.

Michigan Republican Party Chair Laura Cox said it’s fitting Whitmer is “joining in on the same D.C. parlor games the people of our state resent,” arguing Whitmer has failed to prove herself to Michigan residents.

"Ultimately, Gretchen Whitmer’s decision to side with Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi makes it that much easier to give our state a new governor in 2022,” Cox said in a statement.

Trump is scheduled to give his State of the Union address on Feb. 4.