Longtime Incumbent Rep. Matsui to Face Progressive Challenger in November

Two Democrats, one half the age of the other, will vie for the Sacramento-area U.S. House seat.

An "I Voted" sign points to a Vote Center ahead of the primary election in Pasadena, Calif., on June 1, 2026. Mario Tama/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO—Primary results from June 2 for California’s 7th Congressional District revealed an intra-party generational challenge, with two Democratic Party candidates born 40 years apart earning the most votes. 

Incumbent Rep. Doris Matsui, 81, will run against Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, 41, after the two advanced through the state’s jungle primary system, which places the top two vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, on the November ballot.