WASHINGTON – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, her political profile clearly on the rise, has been tapped to deliver the Democratic response to President Donald Trump's Feb. 4 State of the Union address, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office announced Friday.

"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," Pelosi said in a statement announcing Whitmer's participation.

She was joined in the announcement by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. The Democratic response is televised immediately after the president's speech, which typically begins at 9 p.m., and is usually reserved by both parties as a spot to highlight the country's rising political stars.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley (then South Carolina's governor), former House Speaker Paul Ryan (then a far lesser-known congressman from Wisconsin) and former Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (then Kansas' governor) are among those who have given the response to such addresses in the past. Last year, former Georgia state Rep. Stacey Abrams, who lost a hard-fought run for that state's governorship in 2018, gave the Democratic response.

“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," Whitmer said. "This 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.”

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The annual speech and Whitmer's response comes at a significant time for the president and Democrats in Washington: An impeachment trial is underway in the Senate, with Democratic managers accusing Trump of abusing his office and obstructing justice in asking the Ukrainian president to investigate a political rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.

Trump's speech also comes the day after the Iowa caucuses begin the Democratic primary season in earnest to pick a nominee to face him in November. Michigan is expected to be a key player in both the nomination fight — with its primary set for March 10 — and in the general election, having backed Trump by a margin of less than 11,000 votes, or about two-tenths of 1%, in 2016.

Whitmer's election in 2018 led a slate of Democratic gains in Michigan that included winning the secretary of state and attorney general slots, as well as flipping two previously Republican-held congressional seats. All of those victories were also by women.

With the presidential election looming, Whitmer's profile has only increased and some pundits have suggested she could be discussed as a possible vice presidential nominee, though Whitmer has not expressed any interest in the job.

More:When it comes to judging Whitmer's performance as governor, 2020 will be key

Asked Friday whether Whitmer has been vetted by any of the Democratic candidates or asked to discuss joining one of the contenders as a running mate, her spokeswoman, Tiffany Brown, said: “She’s focused on her role as the governor of Michigan and fighting for Michiganders.”

Asked whether Whitmer will attend the State of the Union or record her response from Lansing, Brown said those details are still pending.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the important work the Whitmer administration is doing every day to build a stronger Michigan for everyone," Brown said.

Giving the response is not without its risks, however, given that the remarks are usually brief and pundits are typically ready to pounce on any perceived slipup. For instance, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., was chided for awkwardly taking sips of water during his response to then-President Barack Obama's 2013 speech. Sebelius, in 2008, was chided for what seemed an entirely emotionless response.

Speakers from the opposite political party from the sitting president’s have given a rebuttal or response to the annual State of the Union address since 1966 and several Michiganders — including former President Gerald Ford (then a Republican leader in the House) and former Sens. Robert Griffin and Don Riegle have been part of their parties' response. But no Michigander has been part of the response — which used to involve several speakers instead of one or two, which is the more current practice — since former U.S. Sen Carl Levin, D-Mich., was part of a group responding to then-President Ronald Reagan’s speech in 1984.

Pelosi and Schumer both believed Whitmer was a perfect choice.

"Gov. Whitmer's dedication to Michiganders is a model for public servants everywhere," Schumer said. "Whether it's pledging to 'Fix the Damn Roads' or investing in climate solutions, (her) vision for the future is exactly what this country needs, and I'm thrilled she is giving the Democratic response.”

Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Laura Cox, however, said Whitmer has failed to live up to expectations in Michigan, with the conditions of roads still poor and embracing what Cox called a "massive gas tax."

"It is only fitting that she is joining in on the same D.C. parlor games the people of our state resent," Cox said. "The governor broke every promise she made on the campaign trail. She’s had ample time to make a difference for our state, but her past year in office has been nothing more than photo ops and sound bites."

U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, will deliver a Spanish language response to the speech.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.