Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang Faces Criticism Over Pledge of Allegiance Stance

California’s 7th Congressional District candidate and Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang has encountered backlash after past videos emerged showing her refraining from participating in the Pledge of Allegiance during council meetings. Over the Memorial Day weekend, multiple videos captured Vang either turning away or silently observing while colleagues recited the pledge to the American flag. Most recently, on a Wednesday meeting, Vang was noted to have her eyes downcast during the pledge.

Since 2020, Vang has held a position on the Sacramento City Council. In a 2025 Facebook post, she addressed her reasons for not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, stating, “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 locally and globally under this nation’s influence.”

“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,” Vang elaborated. “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.”

Vang’s position and activism have earned varied reactions. She is one of several candidates aiming to challenge the long-serving Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui for her seat. Vang, along with other progressive candidates, supports initiatives like universal healthcare, higher taxes on billionaires, and the abolishment of ICE.

Sacramento Democratic political consultant Steve Maviglio criticized Vang’s actions, labeling them as “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. Fox News Digital has reached out to Vang for further comments. Sacramento city council meetings have documented instances where Vang declined to say the Pledge of Allegiance, further engaging the public interest in her candidacy.