Sacramento City Council member Mai Vang has thrown her hat into the ring for California's 7th Congressional District seat, setting the stage for a 2026 race against incumbent Rep. Doris Matsui. Vang recently filed paperwork to enter the race and made her public announcement yesterday. According to FOX40, Vang is campaigning on priorities such as immigrant rights, support for working families, health care coverage improvements, and keeping taxpayer dollars in the U.S.
"As a daughter of refugees who is married to the son of Mexican immigrants, I understand the struggle of our working families in our region," Vang told FOX40. She highlighted her background growing up in Sacramento, her role as the oldest of 16 siblings, and her experiences as a school board member, professor, and current City Councilmember representing District 8. Vang aims to quickly begin connecting with voters, mentioning a planned community potluck at William Land Park. Rep. Matsui, who has been in office since 2005, responded to Vang's announcement by reinforcing her own track record in a statement, detailing her commitment to community issues such as health care, environmental protections, and public services.
In a similar vein, Vang addressed the community encouragement driving her decision during a KCRA 3 interview, saying, "If someone would have asked me back in April or May that, or would have told me, 'Mai, you'll be running for Congress,' I would have told them, 'you're crazy.'" She discussed her concern for the nation's future, and her desire to be part of shaping it as a voice in Congress.
Vang also pointed to her respect for the Matsui family's long-standing service but noted her belief that the current political status quo is not sufficient to protect and serve families and communities. She brings to the race her record of community organizing and advocacy, including efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. "My entire life I've been a fighter, and I plan to bring that same heart and hustle and that fighting spirit to Washington, D.C.," she said to KCRA 3. Matsui's spokesperson confirmed her plan to seek re-election, highlighting her ongoing dedication to Sacramento's well-being across various key areas, including safety from natural disasters, cost of living, job creation, and continued leadership on important issues like health care, climate, and technology. The expected primary election where this contest will take shape is slated for June 2.
