Doris Matsui Faces Criticism on Facebook After Elk Grove Food Bank Visit as CA-07 Primary Nears
'You Sure Seem to Care During Election Time': Doris Matsui Draws Criticism After Elk Grove Campaign Stop
ELK GROVE, Calif. — A campaign stop by U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui at the Elk Grove Food Bank drew both praise and criticism on social media as the veteran congresswoman enters the final days of a competitive primary campaign for California's 7th Congressional District.
In a Facebook post published Friday, Matsui shared photos from a visit to the Elk Grove Food Bank, where she appeared alongside Elk Grove City Councilmembers Rod Brewer and Darren Suen and Wilton Rancheria Chairman Jesus Tarango. The post highlighted the organization's efforts to address food insecurity and included Matsui's promise to return.
The comments section, however, reflected a mixture of support and frustration from constituents, with several commenters questioning the timing of the visit as Matsui seeks reelection.
"You sure seem to care a lot when it's election time," commenter Karim Niazi wrote.
Kathy Carlin Czepiel expressed a similar sentiment, writing, "Up for re-election! You don't see her otherwise."
Rick West added, "How come Matsui only comes around during election time??"
Others criticized the congresswoman's lengthy tenure in office. Doris Matsui has represented the Sacramento region in Congress for 21 years and succeeded her late husband, former Rep. Robert Matsui, who served for more than 25 years before his death in 2005.
"A Matsui has been on our district seat for over 50 years!" wrote Maar Anzualda. "And she is not a Matsui or a Sacramento resident anymore—she married a Billionaire from DC, Roger Sant."
David Hammond, who identified himself as a supporter of the congresswoman, nevertheless suggested it may be time for a transition.
"I like Matsui. However, it is time for her to pick a successor, and take more of a mentor role," Hammond wrote.
James Ross offered a similar assessment, commenting, "Respectfully, retire Doris, the world you profited from no longer exists."
Some comments were supportive of Matsui's appearance at the food bank.
"Thank you for supporting this valuable service to our community," Judy Sala wrote.
Stephen Michael Crowley praised both the food bank and those involved in the event, writing, "Great job Elk Grove! Thank you for supporting those in need with dignity."
The comments illustrate a challenge facing Matsui as she seeks another term in Congress. While Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang has mounted an energetic and highly visible primary campaign, Matsui enters the final stretch with significant advantages, including a substantial fundraising edge, widespread name recognition, endorsements from much of the region's Democratic establishment, and the benefits that come with incumbency.
Vang's campaign has focused heavily on the argument that it is time for a new generation of leadership in Washington, a message echoed by several commenters on Matsui's Facebook page who called for the congresswoman to retire or identify a successor.
Despite those criticisms, Matsui remains the favorite to advance from California's top-two primary system. The key question heading into Election Day is whether Vang can secure the second-place position and advance to a November runoff against the longtime incumbent.
Voting in California's primary election concludes Tuesday.
