The Working Families Party has given Philadelphia City Councilmember Nicolas O'Rourke the duty of responding to this year's State of the Union address.
President Joe Biden will address a joint session of Congress on Thursday, March 7. O'Rourke's response will be live-streamed immediately following Biden's speech.
MORE: Philly police to ramp up seizures of illegal ATVs, dirt bikes as warm weather returns
O'Rourke will be the first elected official holding a municipal position to deliver the party's response, bringing eyes to Philadelphia and its rising progressive figures.
"I hope to give voice to the working people in Philadelphia and around the country who want a better life for themselves and a brighter future for the next generation," O'Rourke said. "Together, we can ensure that everyone who calls this country home, no matter your race or place, can earn a good living and have a good life – with the education and health care, housing and jobs that every family needs."
In previous years, U.S. Reps. Delia Ramirez, Rashida Tlaib, Jamaal Bowman and Ayanna Pressley have responded to the president's annual address on behalf of the Working Families Party.
Biden's State of the Union will be his last before the 2024 presidential election and comes amid questions about his mental fitness and major international conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. O'Rourke is expected to deliver criticisms in line with the Working Families Party's stance against military funding for Israel.
O'Rourke is one of two WFP members on City Council, serving with Kendra Brooks. The election of O'Rourke and re-election of Brooks as city council members at-large in 2023 was significant, because they claimed both of the seats reserved for the minority party. They previously had been held by Republicans.
With the Working Families Party now the minority party, O'Rourke serves as minority whip under Brooks, the minority leader. Last October, the party held its first national convention in Philadelphia.
O'Rourke also is an activist, organizer and pastor at the Living Water United Church of Christ in Oxford Circle. O'Rourke's bio describes him as a "strong proponent of social justice and spiritual awareness."