Democrat Who Turned Back on US Flag Struggles in Election

Mai Vang secured second place in Tuesday’s primary election but trails significantly behind Representative Doris Matsui, according to New York Post. Early results showed Matsui leading with 28,950 votes or 32.6 percent, while Vang garnered 22,821 votes or 25.7 percent.

Republican candidate Zachariah Wooden finished in third place with 20,079 votes or 22.6 percent, remaining within striking distance of Vang as vote counting continues. Under California’s top-two primary system, the leading two candidates advance to the November runoff regardless of party affiliation.

Vang, 41, had attempted to frame the race as a generational challenge against the 81-year-old Matsui, who has represented the Sacramento-area district since 2005. However, her campaign became overshadowed by sustained criticism of her controversial stance toward American patriotic symbols.

The city councilwoman has refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and turned her back on the flag at multiple public events, including a Veterans Day ceremony, Sacramento City Council meetings, and district gatherings. She defended her actions on social media, claiming she uses those moments to reflect on injustices and harm affecting people both locally and globally under the nation’s influence.

Wooden condemned Vang’s refusal to honor the flag as malicious behavior. He told New York Post that someone seeking to serve in Congress while appearing disinterested in major symbols of American pride demonstrates not just disappointment but malice.

Vang’s progressive challenge may face additional obstacles as conservative communities including Lodi, Placerville, and El Dorado Hills were added to the congressional district through redistricting under Proposition 50.

In the campaign’s final days, Vang’s team accused Matsui of working to boost Wooden’s campaign to push Vang out of the November runoff. Vang cited a Matsui campaign blog post describing Wooden as having a record of community service while linking him to President Trump’s policies.

Kevin Liao, a spokesperson for Matsui’s campaign, told the Sacramento Bee the post aimed to contrast Matsui with extreme Republican ideas. Vang accused Matsui of improperly steering super PACs to bankroll Wooden’s campaign by any means necessary.

Critics characterized Vang as attempting to become the AOC of the Central Valley, referencing New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Steve Maviglio, a Democratic political consultant in Sacramento, called Vang’s actions completely disrespectful to veterans and their families, questioning how someone could be so extreme as to refuse saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

With information from New York Post