Matsui campaign attacks Vang over previous corporate donations
Rep. Doris Matsui’s campaign, funded for years by corporate donations, is criticizing Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang for previously taking small amounts of corporate money before pledging to reject such contributions in her congressional race.
The criticism is the latest in a series of jabs exchanged between the two campaigns as the primary election nears. Vang is attempting to unseat Matsui in California’s 7th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento’s downtown core. Matsui has held the seat for more than 20 years with little serious opposition.
In a news release this week, Matsui’s campaign highlighted that Vang accepted tens of thousands of dollars in corporate donations during her city council campaigns. Vang has repeatedly vowed not to accept money from corporate political action committees in her congressional bid, framing it as a key distinction between herself and Matsui.
Most of Vang’s past corporate donations came from small Sacramento-area businesses, according to The Ballot Book, a California campaign finance database. Other contributions included $400 from Pacific Gas & Electric and about $8,000 from local casinos.
“For a candidate purporting to be a ‘grassroots’ champion, this is hypocrisy at its worst,” said Roger Salazar, a campaign strategist for Matsui.
Vang, who was not made available for an interview, sent a written statement in response to Matsui campaign’s criticism. She called the scrutiny an attempt to “change the subject” from news earlier this week that Matsui’s website had elevated their “MAGA Republican” opponent — Sac State student Zachariah Wooden.
Vang also cited Matsui’s history of accepting from corporate PACs. Matsui has accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from corporate PACs during the current election cycle, according to the Federal Election Commission website.
In her statement, Vang said she previously redirected campaign contributions to scholarships for high school students in her district. Vang’s campaign did not respond when asked how much of the contributions went to the scholarship fund.
“I know where my support has gone,” Vang said. “Can Congresswoman Matsui say the same? Voters are ready for a new generation of leadership. After 21 years of corporate-funded politics, Sacramento can clearly see what this corrupt system produces.”
The 7th District stretches from El Dorado Hills and Placerville in the north to Lodi and Linden to the south. Other major areas in the district are Galt, Elk Grove and several capital region neighborhoods including Campus Commons, Oak Park, south Sacramento and the city’s downtown core.
California’s primary election is scheduled for June 2.
This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
