Press Release - New Poll Shows Challenger Mai Vang In Striking Distance of Doris Matsui in CA-07
Vang starts poll 11 points down among all voters and 7 down among Democrats; Race is tied after candidate bios with Vang up 17 among Democrats
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 8, 2026
SACRAMENTO, CA – A new poll of California’s 7th Congressional District shows Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang with a clear path to victory against incumbent Congresswoman Matsui, in a competitive primary heading into the June 2nd election.
The survey, conducted by Upswing Research & Strategy from March 17–23 among 400 likely primary voters, shows that Vang starts the race 11 points down (28%-17%) among all voters with 24% undecided, and down only 7 (41%-34%) among Democrats. The poll also found that when voters receive equal information about both candidates, Vang and Matsui are tied at 27 percent among all primary voters. Among likely Democratic primary voters, Vang leads outright, 51 percent to 34 percent.
Key Findings (Full Memo Here)
The incumbent Doris Matsui starts with only 28% of the vote. Vang initially trails by 11 points (17%) among all voters and by only 7 points among Democrats (41%-34%)
Vang and Matsui are tied at 27% among all likely primary voters after ballot designation and names are presented about both candidates.
After bios, Vang leads among Democrats, 51% to 34%, suggesting strong support within the party’s base.
Matsui carries a 28% unfavorable rating among the overall primary electorate, a notable vulnerability for a sitting member of Congress.
Vang’s name identification stands at just 43%, indicating significant room for growth as voters learn more about her candidacy over the final two months of the race.
“This is a competitive race because Sacramento families want leaders like Mai who actually deliver for them, not billionaires or special interests,” said Nairka Treviño Muller, Vang Campaign Manager. “Mai Vang’s message is breaking through, without a single dollar from corporate PACs, this is a people-powered campaign and a reminder to leadership that real political strength comes from the people.”
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