Mai Vang Criticized for Refusing to Recite Pledge of Allegiance

In California’s 7th Congressional District, candidate and Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang faces criticism after videos emerged showing her refraining from reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. These clips, taken over Memorial Day weekend, depict Vang turning away or remaining silent during city council meetings while others participated in the pledge. As recently as Wednesday, she was seen with her eyes downcast during the pledge.

Vang has served on the Sacramento City Council since 2020. She addressed her decision to abstain from the pledge in a 2025 Facebook post, explaining her reasoning. This is exactly why I choose not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance during every council meeting, Vang stated. 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, both locally and across the globe, under this nation’s influence.

She elaborated further, 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. 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.

Fox News Digital sought additional comments from Vang. Several videos from Sacramento city council meetings show her declining to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Vang is one of several candidates aiming to challenge longtime Democratic Representative Doris Matsui, who has held this California seat for over two decades. Vang is part of a wave of progressive candidates challenging established Democratic politicians. She advocates for far-left positions like universal healthcare, increased taxes on billionaires, and abolishing ICE.

In response to Vang’s refusal to say the pledge, Sacramento Democratic political consultant Steve Maviglio remarked, 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 is set for June 2. For more information, story tips can be directed to Lindsay Kornick, associate editor for Fox News Digital, at [email protected] or on Twitter: @lmkornick.