California congressional candidate refuses to say Pledge of Allegiance in resurfaced clips
Sacramento Councilmember Faces Backlash Over Refusal to Recite Pledge of Allegiance
Sacramento, California – Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, who is running for the U.S. House in California’s 7th Congressional District, has drawn criticism after videos surfaced showing her turning away from the flag or remaining silent when the Pledge of Allegiance was recited at council meetings. The clips, posted by city residents over Memorial Day weekend and again on Wednesday, show Vang looking down or keeping her hands folded during the pledge.
Vang, first elected to the city council in 2020, has been a vocal progressive in Sacramento politics. In a Facebook post published in 2025, she explained her decision not to recite the pledge, stating, “This is exactly why I choose not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during every council meeting.” She continued, “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.” She added that she believes the pledge can distract citizens from “realities we see in the news” and urged her constituents to remain vigilant and engaged in the fight for equity, justice, and humanity.
The controversy comes as Vang campaigns to unseat long‑time Democratic Representative Doris Matsui, who has represented the 7th District for more than two decades. Vang’s platform includes universal healthcare, higher taxes on billionaires, and the abolition of ICE. Her stance on the pledge has prompted a flurry of responses from local and national observers.
Sacramento political consultant Steve Maviglio, who works closely with Democratic candidates in the area, called the councilmember’s actions “completely disrespectful.” He told the New York Post that “It’s ‘Patriotism 101,’ you say the Pledge of Allegiance even if you don’t agree with everything,” adding, “You can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance—that’s how extreme you are? Come on.” Maviglio’s remarks reflect a broader debate over the role of patriotic rituals in contemporary politics.
Fox News Digital reached out to Vang for comment, but she has not yet responded. City officials have not issued a formal statement about the videos, and there is no indication that the matter will affect her eligibility to serve on the council or run for Congress.
The primary election for California’s 7th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2, leaving Vang’s pledge stance as one of several issues that may influence voters’ decisions. Whether the controversy will sway the race remains to be seen, but it has highlighted the growing divide over how symbols of national identity are expressed in public office.
