Primary Race Update: Vann vs. Matsui
Democratic Sacramento City Councilwoman Mai Vann, who faced backlash from residents for her refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and turn her back on the American flag, was trailing in a heated primary race against long-time Rep. Doris Matsui as of Tuesday night.
Early results indicated that Matsui was leading with 28,950 votes (32.6%), while Vann’s competitor, Ban, followed closely behind with 22,821 votes (25.7%).
Republican Zachariah Wooden was in a tight third place with 20,079 votes (22.6%), and the counting continued, narrowing the margin between him and Vann.
Under California’s top-two primary system, the leading two candidates, regardless of their party affiliation, will move on to a runoff in November.
Vann’s challenge to Matsui, who is 81 and has held her Sacramento-area seat since 2005, faces significant hurdles. The redistricting changes from Proposition 50 have included more conservative areas like Lodi and El Dorado Hills in the congressional map.
Vann, 41, had been attempting to frame her campaign as a generational shift against Matsui. However, the campaign’s final weeks were dominated by discussions around her controversial actions regarding the Pledge of Allegiance.
She had notably declined to recite the Pledge and had turned her back on the flag during various public events, including Veterans Day celebrations and City Council meetings.
In response to her critics, Vann stated on social media that her actions were intended to help her “ground” herself and contemplate the injustices affecting people both locally and globally due to the nation’s influence.
Wood suggested Vann’s decision to not salute the flag was “malicious,” expressing disappointment over her indifference towards a symbol of American pride.
In the lead-up to the election, Vann’s campaign sought to redirect attention back to Matsui, alleging that the incumbent was trying to boost Wooden’s campaign to benefit Vann in the upcoming runoff.
Vann pointed out Matsui’s campaign’s blog post that seemed to associate Wooden with former President Trump’s policies, emphasizing his “track record of serving the community.”
A spokesperson for Matsui’s campaign stated that the post intended to highlight the contrast between Matsui’s stance and what they termed “extreme Republican ideas.”
Moreover, Vann accused Matsui of improperly coordinating with a super PAC to support Wooden’s campaign “by any means necessary.”
Critics accused Vann of aiming to become the “AOC of the Central Valley,” referencing New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Political consultant Steve Maviglio stated that Vann’s actions were disrespectful to veterans and their families, questioning whether it was too extreme to simply say the Pledge of Allegiance.
