Sacramento councilwoman Vang criticized for skipping pledge

A Sacramento city councilwoman and congressional candidate is facing criticism for her repeated refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during public meetings, a practice that has drawn national attention ahead of a competitive primary election.

Mai Vang, who is challenging longtime Democratic Representative Doris Matsui for California’s 7th Congressional District seat, has declined to participate in the pledge at multiple events. These include a Veterans Day ceremony last year, district meetings in January and March, and a Sacramento City Council meeting in July 2025. Videos from council meetings show Vang standing while others recite the pledge, sometimes turning away from the flag.

Vang has publicly explained her decision. In a social media post from February 2025, she wrote that she uses the moment to reflect on injustices affecting communities both locally and globally under U.S. influence. She stated she chooses not to recite the pledge to avoid becoming numb to current events and to remain vigilant in the fight for equity and justice.

The controversy has sparked strong reactions from political figures across the spectrum. Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California...