Statement from RI Democratic Chairwoman Liz Beretta-Perik on the 2026 State of the Union

“Last night during the State of the Union one image stuck in my mind. It was Senator Mark Kelly sitting dignified and resolute as the President tried to goad him with his classic “let’s divide Americans “ rhetoric.

“Senator Mark Kelly who has been the target of a vicious prosecution by the Secretary of Defense said the reason he showed up last night was that he wanted to show President Trump that he hadn’t won.

“What a great message for all of us.

“When we take to the streets peacefully to protest ICE we are showing President Trump he hasn’t won.

‘When we fight efforts to federalize elections and institute the SAVE Act we are showing President Trump he hasn’t won.

“When our Congressional delegation fights to stop the out of control tyranny of the Department of Homeland Land Security they are showing President Trump he hasn’t won.

“When the Supreme Court strikes down his tariffs. They are showing him he hasn’t won.

“Senator Mark Kelly is as an example for all of us. 2026 is about making sure President Trump doesn’t win. But justice, fairness and democracy does.”