The establishment support comes as Matsui faces off against Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang in the state\u2019s June primary race. Vang is expected to be the most formidable opponent the veteran Sacramento politician has faced since she first won the congressional seat more than 20 years ago. Matsui, 81, succeeded her husband, Robert, who served from 1979 until his death from cancer in 2005.<\/p>\n
Vang, 40, is part of a wave of progressive younger candidates<\/a> who are trying to unseat longtime establishment incumbents across the state. She has served the south Sacramento area since 2020.<\/p>\n Her endorsements include progressive organizations and committees<\/a> such as Justice Democrats, Working Families Party and No Dem Left Behind. Sacramento Council members Karina Talamantes and Caity Maple have also endorsed their colleague.<\/p>\n The Sacramento Bee\u2019s opinion staff announced Monday<\/a> it would not endorse Matsui, citing her refusal to meet. She declined two options, both of which would have involved a one-on-one debate with Vang.<\/p>\n In an internal poll released by her campaign Wednesday, Vang trailed Matsui 28% to 17% among all voters. The two became tied at 27% after ballot designation and names were presented about both candidates, according to the poll.<\/p>\n Other candidates in the race are Democrats Enayat Nazhat and Robby Morin, and Republicans Zachariah Wooden and Ralph Nwobi. They debated with Vang and Matsui last week during a candidate forum.<\/a><\/p>\n The 7th district encompasses much of Sacramento\u2019s downtown core, Elk Grove, Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Galt and Lodi.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n