California Candidate Turns Back on Flag, Snubs Pledge of Allegiance
As millions prepare to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, California congressional candidate Mai Vang is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Sacramento city councilmember has proudly declared her refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at public events, often turning her back on the American flag.
Vang is in a heated race against long-time Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui in the upcoming June primary, polling neck-and-neck with the incumbent while slightly edging out Republican Zachariah Wooden. But her anti-patriotic stance is raising eyebrows in the newly redrawn 7th congressional district, which now includes more conservative areas like Lodi and Placerville.
David Cushman, chair of the San Joaquin Republican Party, slammed Vang’s strategy, likening her to the ambitious Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “She’s trying to be the AOC of the Central Valley, but this isn’t the same district,” he told insiders.
Vang’s history of Pledge refusals spans several notable occasions, including a Veterans Day ceremony and multiple city council meetings. Critics are not holding back. Steve Maviglio, a Democratic consultant, called her actions “completely disrespectful to veterans.” He added, “It’s ‘Patriotism 101’—you say the Pledge even if you disagree with everything.”
In a social media post last year, Vang celebrated her refusal to recite the Pledge, stating, “As much as I love this country, I use that moment to ground myself.” She included hashtags like #FreePalestine and #KeepFamiliesTogether, further igniting controversy.
Critics are also pointing out the irony in Vang’s stance given her family’s history as Hmong refugees who benefited from U.S. military assistance. In stark contrast, Rep. Matsui was born in an internment camp during WWII. “Vang acts like she’s a champion for immigrant rights, but Matsui lived it,” Maviglio remarked.
Amy Gardner, a community organizer, expressed her frustration over Vang’s approach to public safety and her opposition to police funding. “She’s actively trying to take money away from law enforcement,” Gardner claimed.
Corrin Rankin, chairwoman of the California Republican Party, weighed in on the broader implications of Vang’s actions. “This reflects a lack of respect for our country and law enforcement,” she stated. “Voters want leaders who honor our flag.”
With Wooden gaining traction as a first-time candidate from San Joaquin County, he expressed disappointment over Vang’s apparent disinterest in American symbols. “To want to be in Congress while rejecting basic American values? It’s not just disappointing—it’s malicious,” he said.
As the primary approaches, Vang's controversial stance continues to fuel debates about patriotism and representation in American politics.
