Gov. Gavin Newsom endorses Rep. Matsui for reelection in California's 7th Congressional District

Mathew Miranda, The Sacramento Bee on Apr 8, 2026

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Longtime U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui, who is facing her toughest primary challenge in years, has notched another major endorsement in her reelection campaign for the 7th Congressional District.

She now has the backing of California’s governor.

“Matsui has a record of delivering for the people she represents,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement first shared with The Sacramento Bee by Matsui’s campaign. “From building levees that protect homes from flooding to improving roads, freeways and public transit, her tangible achievements for the Sacramento area are unmatched. And as we face an authoritarian White House, she is someone who has lived injustice firsthand — and is on the frontlines fighting back every single day.”

Newsom’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

His support is the latest high-profile California endorsement Matsui has collected over the last few months, including backing from U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the state Democratic party and the majority of the Sacramento City Council.

The establishment support comes as Matsui faces off against Sacramento Councilmember Mai Vang in the state’s June primary race. Vang is expected to be the most formidable opponent the veteran Sacramento politician has faced since she first won the congressional seat more than 20 years ago. Matsui, 81, succeeded her husband, Robert, who served from 1979 until his death from cancer in 2005.

Vang, 40, is part of a wave of progressive younger candidates who are trying to unseat longtime establishment incumbents across the state. She has served the south Sacramento area since 2020.

Her endorsements include progressive organizations and committees such as Justice Democrats, Working Families Party and No Dem Left Behind. Sacramento Council members Karina Talamantes and Caity Maple have also endorsed their colleague.

The Sacramento Bee’s opinion staff announced Monday it would not endorse Matsui, citing her refusal to meet. She declined two options, both of which would have involved a one-on-one debate with Vang.

In an internal poll released by her campaign Wednesday, Vang trailed Matsui 28% to 17% among all voters. The two became tied at 27% after ballot designation and names were presented about both candidates, according to the poll.

Other candidates in the race are Democrats Enayat Nazhat and Robby Morin, and Republicans Zachariah Wooden and Ralph Nwobi. They debated with Vang and Matsui last week during a candidate forum.

The 7th district encompasses much of Sacramento’s downtown core, Elk Grove, Placerville, El Dorado Hills, Galt and Lodi.

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