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Schakowsky to Boycott State of the Union Address

February 23, 2026

EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement on her decision to skip Tuesday's State of the Union Address:

“I cannot, in good conscience, sit in that House chamber on Tuesday night and pretend everything is normal while families across my district are living in constant fear of this administration and fighting every day just to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads.

“I have heard the worry and frustration in my constituents’ voices. My office has been flooded with calls asking me to skip this speech and take a stand. Families are terrified by the cruel and abusive tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Seniors are scared for their Social Security and Medicare. Parents worry about their children’s future. Working people are getting squeezed while billionaires rake in more wealth. This is not normal, and it cannot be ignored.

“I stand with the people who sent me to Congress. I will keep fighting for dignity, justice, and opportunity for every family. And I will not legitimize an agenda that causes so much harm.”

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