Claudia Tenney

Wayne County Sheriff Robert Milby will join Rep. Claudia Tenney as her guest for the upcoming State of the Union address, according to an announcement from the congresswoman who represents Wayne County and a portion of Ontario County in the 24th Congressional District.

President Donald J. Trump is set to deliver his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. Feb. 24.

Milby, a lifelong resident of Palmyra, won the sheriff election as a Republican in 2021 and took office in 2022.

Milby, a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, began his law enforcement career in 1995 with part-time service at both the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, where he subsequently served for more than 29 years in various roles, and the Lyons Police Department.

“Justice is strongest when every level of government stands shoulder to shoulder — protecting our citizens together and ensuring that accountability and responsibility are never optional,” Milby said in a prepared statement supplied by Tenney’s office.

In her Feb. 18 statement, Tenney stated that at a time when law enforcement faces unprecedented challenges, it is important to highlight leaders who serve courageously every single day.

“His presence at the State of the Union represents my solidarity with law enforcement and the men and women who keep our communities safe,” Tenney stated.

Tenney has been no stranger to controversy.

Several large protests have been held outside her Canandaigua field office, with protesters the last two years calling out her support of Trump, his immigration policies, his so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” and its impact on citizens, and other issues.

A protest Jan. 6 marked the five-year anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol building. A Politico investigation campaign funds for tennis trips and swag for herself? A Politico report in January investigates if the congresswoman used her campaign funds to see tennis star Novak Djokovic play, which a Tenney campaign spokesman called a manufactured smear.

What is the State of the Union?

According to Congress’ website, the State of the Union is when the president outlines how the country is doing and what Congress should focus on next.

The U.S. Constitution requires the president to keep lawmakers informed about the state of the nation and propose legislative priorities.

Traditionally, the speech is delivered sometime between early January and early February.

Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.

Contributing: USA Today Network