Mai Vang Strips Longtime Endorsement From Doris Matsui in CA 07 Race
Notwithstanding the waning influence of these types of endorsements, this is a metaphorical slap in the face to Matsui
Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang announced today that she has received a significant endorsement from a major Sacramento media outlet. That endorsement comes from the editorial board of the Sacramento Bee.
In their endorsement story titled "The Bee endorses a historic candidate for California's 7th Congressional District," the endorsement noted that 13 term Democratic incumbent Doris Matsui has refused to meet with the editorial board and Vang, which is the manner endorsement meetings (except for the governor) are conducted.
The editorial also noted that Vang represents a "much-needed and historic changing of the guard for Sacramento in Washington." They also noted Matsui, 82, "is married to a multimillionaire who co-founded a Virginia-based power company," is "sadly losing connection to her roots," and "has chosen to distance herself from voters she is supposed to serve."
The Bee's endorsement of Vang ends a string of rubber-stamp endorsements they have given Matsui. Unlike previous elections, Vang's is the first viable challenge Matsui has faced since winning office in a 2005 special election to fill the seat her husband Bob Matsui held from 1979 until his 2005 death.
In her press statement announcing the endorsement, Vang said:
"I am deeply honored to earn the Sacramento Bee's endorsement. This campaign has been built from the ground up, no corporate PACs, full transparency, and this recognition reflects the kind of politics our district deserves.
Rep. Matsui's refusal to meet with voters, the press, or answer hard questions about her record speaks for itself. The people of this district deserve a representative who shows up. Voters are demanding a new generation of leadership and I’m ready for this moment."
While the Bee's endorsement of Vang is a feather in her cap, endorsements from major metropolitan newspapers carry less influence than they once did, given declining readership. While they help with low-information voters during primaries, once candidates advance to the general election, there is more familiarity, and they become less effective.
Notwithstanding the waning influence of these types of endorsements, this is a metaphorical slap in the face to Matsui. It suggests that Vang's campaign, which is omnipresent on social media, a key platform for younger voters, is gaining momentum to overcome Matsui's financial and institutional advantages.
