Malloy Among Michelle Obama's Guests at 2016 State of the Union

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy will be among the invited guests sitting in First Lady Michelle Obama’s box at President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, according to the governor’s office.

The speech will be President Obama’s final State of the Union, and it is expected to include remarks focusing on his recent Executive Orders on gun control. Malloy spearheaded new gun control legislation in Connecticut following the Sandy Hook mass shooting.

“From his criminal justice reforms, including a ’Second Chance Society’ initiative that emphasizes successfully reintegrating individuals with nonviolent offenses into society, to common-sense gun safety laws following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary, Gov. Malloy has balanced important social reforms with strong economic priorities: Connecticut led America as the first state in the country to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 and pass legislation guaranteeing paid sick leave,” the White House stated.

A total of 23 people have been invited to sit with the First Lady Tuesday, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Veterans homeless advocate Cyntha K. Dias, Syrian refugee Refaai Hamo and Affordable Care Act navigator Cedric Rowland. Also joining Michelle Obama will be Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and presidential Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett.

“It’s truly an honor. I want to thank the President and the First Lady for this once-in-a-lifetime invitation,” said Malloy in a statement. “We’re doing big things in Connecticut. We’ve passed the smartest gun law in the nation, and we’ve helped drive a national conversation to help prevent gun violence. The President is taking action on this important issue just as we have in Connecticut – it is commonsense to keep guns out of the hands of those who shouldn’t have them.”

The 24th “guest” at Tuesday’s event will be represented by an empty seat.

“We leave one seat empty in the First Lady’s State of the Union Guest Box for the victims of gun violence who no longer have a voice – because they need the rest of us to speak for them,” White House officials stated. “To tell their stories. To honor their memory. To support the Americans whose lives have been forever changed by the terrible ripple effect of gun violence – survivors who’ve had to learn to live with a disability, or without the love of their life. To remind every single one of our representatives that it’s their responsibility to do something about this.”

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has been selected by fellow Republicans to give that party’s response to the State of the Union, reports The Hill. Haley is perhaps best known for leading South Carolina’s decision last year to remove the Confederate Flag from the grounds of the state capitol.

“I think Nikki embodies a great Republican leader,” House Speaker Paul Ryan told The Hill. “She’s unified her state. She has reformed government. She is focused on growth and opportunity. And she has got a great personal story.”

The 2016 State of the Union is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET Tuesday, Jan. 12, and will air on most national network and cable news stations. It also will be streamed live on the White House website.

Photo: Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy