Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will give the Republican response to President Barack Obama after the State of the Union address Tuesday evening.

Rubio, 41, is viewed as an up-and-comer in Republican ranks, a possible 2016 presidential contender. A conservative in his first Senate term, he's been helping lead the fight to overhaul the nation's immigration system.

Republican leaders explained their choice of Rubio to give the Republican address: "He carries our party’s banner of freedom, opportunity and prosperity in a way few others can. His family’s story is a testament to the promise and greatness of America," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.

“He’ll deliver a GOP address that speaks from the heart to the hopes and dreams of the middle class; to our party’s commitment to life and liberty; and to the unlimited potential of America when government is limited and effective.”

Added Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell R-Ky., "Marco’s own experience as the child of immigrants has always informed his belief in limited government and free enterprise, which is why he has helped lead the fight against out-of-control spending and job-destroying tax hikes that continue to hold our economy back and stifle opportunity for millions. He was a natural choice to deliver the Republicans’ alternative to the administration’s reliance on government and debt.”