“We must not tune out — they want us to become numb to the realities we see in the news — it’s part of the plan to keep us complacent. But instead, we resist. We surround ourselves with loved ones, take time to rest, remain vigilant, and stay steadfast in t
A Sacramento city councilmember’s repeatedly refused to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance ahead of a tight primary fight. The candidate, Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang, is running to unseat longtime Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui in California’s 7th Congressional District. The district includes parts of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Lodi, Placerville and El Dorado Hills after recent redistricting, and polling shows a close contest with Republican Zachariah Wooden also in contention for a runoff spot.
Vang’s conduct during the Pledge has been repeatedly documented, through several meetings over the past year, including city council sessions and public ceremonies. Criticism from local political figures has been sharp. David Cushman, chair of the San Joaquin Republican Party, said: “Her strategy is badly misjudged and really bad fit for the district,” he told The California Post.
“She’s trying to be the AOC of the Central Valley, but this is not the same district as AOC’s or even Nancy Pelosi’s district [in San Francisco].” Democratic consultant Steve Maviglio also condemned the behavior, saying: “It’s ‘Patriotism 101,’ you say the Pledge of Allegiance even if you don’t agree with everything,” Maviglio said, according to the Sacramento Bee.
“You can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance — that’s how extreme you are? Come on.” Vang has publicly defended her stance online, writing in a February 2025 post: “As much as I love this country, I use that moment to ground myself — to center our communities and remind myself of the injustices and harm that continue to affect so many, both locally and across the globe, under this nation’s influence,” she wrote, adding #FreePalestine and #KeepFamiliesTogether hashtags.
“We must not tune out — they want us to become numb to the realities we see in the news — it’s part of the plan to keep us complacent. But instead, we resist. We surround ourselves with loved ones, take time to rest, remain vigilant, and stay steadfast in the fight for equity, justice & humanity.”
Republican officials also weighed in. California GOP chair Corrin Rankin said: “Too much contempt for law enforcement, too little respect for our country, and no understanding of what Californians value,” Rankin said. “Voters want leaders who respect the police and honor our flag. When a candidate cannot meet that basic test, it tells voters everything they need to know.”
Republican candidate Zachariah Wooden added: “To hear that somebody wants to be a sitting member of US Congress and appears to be disinterested in the major symbols of American pride and what it means to be an American, it’s not just disappointing — it’s malicious,” he said.
“A lot of her rhetoric is a rejection of our basic American values.”
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
