The Democrats on Tuesday named Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., as their "designated survivor" for the State of the Union address.

It is customary for the legislature to designate someone to remain in a secure location during major legislative events, in the event of a disaster, despite only the speaker of the House being in line for the presidency.

Thompson confirmed his selection in a press release.

“Since the day he took office, this president has raised costs for hardworking families, unleashed ICE to terrorize our communities, and threatened unlawful military attacks on foreign countries. He’s made Americans’ lives and our democracy worse off. 

“President Trump is unpopular because he’s failed to lower costs, failed to fire Kristi Noem, and failed to follow the rule of law," he said. "Americans demand answers when he addresses the nation. We will keep holding him to account in the Congress, in the Courts, and in the court of public opinion.” 

The designated survivor concept spawned a TV series of the same name, based upon the premise of an attack on the State of the Union address elevating a low-level member of the Cabinet to the White House.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.