Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood leaves chamber during State of the Union address

Rep. Lauren Underwood, the head of the House Democrats’ campaign arm’s candidate recruitment efforts, left the chamber duringg President Trump’s State of the Union address.

Underwood, running for reelection in the 2026 election cycle, shook her head as she stood with her purse and coat during Trump’s address Tuesday night to a joint session of Congress.

During the speech, the Illinois Democrat waved goodbye to some of her Democratic women colleagues.

The women, who were each wearing white as an homage to the suffragist movement, exchanged chuckles before Underwood quietly darted out the back.

While other members of Illinois’ Congressional delegation boycotted the speech, Underwood opted to attend, inviting Pastor Jennifer Amy-Dressler of Open Table United Church of Christ in Ottawa to the address, according to WBEZ.

It is unclear why Underwood left the chamber.

We will update this story as new details become available.