California’s 7th Congressional District candidate, and Sacramento City Councilmember, Mai Vang is under scrutiny after videos surfaced of her refraining from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Clips from city council meetings show Vang either turning away or remaining silent while the pledge was recited. Most recently, on Wednesday, she appeared to keep her eyes downcast during the pledge.
Vang has been on the Sacramento City Council since 2020. She addressed her refusal to say the Pledge of Allegiance in a 2025 Facebook post, explaining her reasons. She stated, “This is exactly why I choose not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during every council meeting. 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.”
Vang continued, “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. We got us. I love you all.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Vang for comment. Several videos from Sacramento city council meetings highlight Vang’s refusal to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Vang is among several candidates looking to challenge Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui, who has held the California seat for more than two decades.
Vang’s candidacy is part of a wave of progressive candidates aiming to challenge long-established Democratic figures. She has advocated for progressive policies like universal healthcare, increased taxes on billionaires, and the abolition of ICE.
Sacramento Democratic political consultant Steve Maviglio critiqued Vang’s actions, calling them “completely disrespectful.” He stated, “It’s ‘Patriotism 101,’ you say the Pledge of Allegiance even if you don’t agree with everything. You can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance—that’s how extreme you are? Come on.”
The primary election is scheduled for June 2. Lindsay Kornick, an associate editor for Fox News Digital, contributed to the reporting of this story.