Matsui Declines Sacramento Bee Debate With Vang Ahead of CA-7 Primary, Will Attend April 2 Forum
Vang criticized Matsui’s decision, saying voters “deserve to hear directly from the people asking for their vote — not just see TV ads.”
U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-07) has declined an invitation to participate in a one-on-one debate with her leading challenger, Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, ahead of the June 2 primary election, according to campaign communications and a press release issued Wednesday.
The proposed debate, to be hosted by The Sacramento Bee, was publicly encouraged by Vang as an opportunity for voters to compare the candidates directly before early voting begins. In a campaign statement, Vang criticized Matsui’s decision, saying voters “deserve to hear directly from the people asking for their vote — not just see TV ads.”
Matsui’s campaign did not publicly elaborate on the decision to decline the debate invitation. However, the longtime incumbent has confirmed she will appear alongside Vang and four other candidates at a multi-candidate forum scheduled for April 2.
Organizers of the event said all six candidates in California’s 7th Congressional District race — including Matsui and Vang — have agreed to participate in the forum, which is being hosted by a coalition of Sacramento neighborhood associations and moderated by the League of Women Voters.
While declining a direct debate, Matsui has continued other campaign activities in recent days, including a push for last-minute fundraising ahead of the March 31 quarterly reporting deadline. In a campaign email, her finance team urged supporters to “help us close the gap” toward a $5,000 goal before midnight.
The incumbent has also maintained a visible presence at local events. She recently appeared alongside Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen at the city’s State of the City address, where the mayor praised Matsui’s work representing the Sacramento region.
Vang, who has positioned herself as a more accessible and active campaigner, has emphasized her participation in community events and forums, contrasting that with what her campaign describes as Matsui’s limited public engagement.
The decision to forgo a one-on-one debate — while agreeing to a broader forum — reflects a strategic choice in a race that has drawn increasing attention as Vang seeks to unseat a long-serving incumbent.
Whether Matsui’s refusal signals political confidence in her standing with voters or a reluctance to engage directly with her challenger remains an open question — one that voters will ultimately decide at the ballot box.
The CA Congressional District 7 Candidates Forum will be held April 2, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street in Sacramento. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the event will be livestreamed at https://youtube.com/live/uuVz-HCONFk?feature=share.
