Press Release: California Democratic Party Delegates Submit Petitions to Pull Doris Matsui from Consent Calendar for Endorsement

January 6, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: J.T. Ghim, press@maiforus.com, (279) 257-6465

SACRAMENTO, CA  - Democratic Party delegates from California's 7th Congressional District today submitted 41 petitions to remove Rep. Doris Matsui from the consent calendar in the party's pre-endorsement process – significantly more than the number required.

The delegates' action is the first step toward ensuring that voters, not party insiders, will decide who represents them in Congress. Party leaders from every corner of the newly drawn District 7 agree that this race should be decided at the ballot box.

"We are tired of insider deals that let incumbents avoid accountability," said Amar Shergill, a party delegate in Elk Grove who submitted a petition. "After 20 years, voters deserve a real choice and a real debate about the future of our region. The stakes couldn’t be higher."

Mai Vang, candidate for Congress in CA-07, issued the following statement:

"People are leaving the Democratic Party because they don't see us fighting for them. They see backroom deals, strongly worded letters, and pre-determined outcomes instead of real leadership willing to stand up to Trump and deliver for working families. We need to show voters that we’re committed to meeting this moment, we need a party that fights – not one that protects the status quo. That starts with letting voters have their say in who represents them."

The petition represents broad concern among grassroots Democrats that the party establishment should not predetermine the outcome of competitive primaries. Delegates are calling on party leadership to allow a full and fair process where candidates can make their case directly to voters.

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