AP projects Rep. Doris Matsui defeats Mai Vang in California’s 7th District
Matsui’s reelection raises questions about whether this will be her final term
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui won reelection in California’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang in the toughest challenge of her two decades in Congress. The Associated Press called the race week after Election Day.
Matsui had 104,144 votes, or 55.8%, to Vang’s 82,372 votes, or 44.2%, in unofficial returns reported Tuesday afternoon. The district includes Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, Lodi and Placerville.
Before the AP call, Matsui campaign senior adviser Roger Salazar told The Sacramento Bee on Friday that the campaign remained optimistic as ballots were counted. Vang said in a statement that every ballot deserved to be counted and credited young voters and voters of color with helping drive turnout.
“I will never stop fighting for them," Vang said. "We are not finished.”
Matsui, 82, has represented the Sacramento area since winning a special election in 2005 to succeed her late husband, Rep. Robert Matsui. Vang, 41, argued that the longtime incumbent was out of touch with working families and pointed to Matsui’s acceptance of corporate political donations.
Matsui made the case that her experience and relationships in Congress helped her deliver federal funding for the region, including for flood protection. Additionally, Matsui had widespread support of the Sacramento area Democratic establishment.
Vang finished first in the June primary with 31.2% of the vote to Matsui’s 29.1%, sending both Democrats to the November runoff under California’s top-two primary system. Matsui put nearly $7 million of her own money into the campaign.
Matsui’s reelection raises questions about whether this will be her final term. The prospect of an open seat has already fueled speculation about potential candidates, including state Sen. Angelique Ashby and Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. Sacramento-area politicians weighing a run have until the March 7, 2028, primary to make their case to voters.
