DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DC — In the sea of top government officials and guests at the State of the Union, one person you didn't find in the audience was Congressman Mike Thompson.
But it's for good reason. He was chosen as the designated survivor, a person who would take charge if something catastrophic happened to government leaders.
The representative for California's 4th District, which includes parts of Yolo and Solano counties, was selected by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
"The only rule is that I can't be on campus. I have to go somewhere else to an undisclosed location," said Thompson.
It's not the first time he's been chosen for the role, having been designated survivor a few times previously. It’s at least his fourth time after being previously selected in 2017, 2022 and 2023, according to The Press Democrat.
"I usually watch the State of the Union on the television, and I'm there in case, God forbid, anything were to happen," said Thompson. "There needs to be someone designated off campus, so they could help organize the government after a tragedy like that might happen."
Thompson said the administration picks someone from the cabinet, and the speaker and minority leader can also pick a designated survivor.
Some members of Congress can also be chosen as a precaution, according to the Constitution Center.
"Only one other time did I know any of the other designated survivors and that night before the State of the Union, the two of us had dinner together and then we both went our separate ways," Thompson said.
For more California coverage, stream ABC10+ on your TV for free:
► Roku - click here
► Amazon Fire - click here
► Apple TV - click here
The Constitution Center said a designated survivor is typically chosen during inaugurations and presidential speeches.
"They're going to pick someone who has some institutional memory and someone that the caucus would feel comfortable having in that position," Thompson said.
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona was also selected as a designated survivor this year.
WATCH ALSO:
