Still too early to call second place in the race for Matsui’s congressional seat
Congresswoman Doris Matsui greets supporters at an election watch party on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Ballots continue to be processed across the state and the second spot in the primary race for Sacramento’s 7th congressional seat remains too early and too close to determine. The race has been one of the most closely watched contests in the region and comes after months of back-and-forth between the campaigns.
As of Friday, early afternoon, Democratic Congresswoman Doris Matsui holds the lead with 30% of the total votes counted. Sacramento State student and 25-year-old Republican Zachariah Wooden is ahead by about 100 votes of Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang. Still, only half of the ballots submitted have been counted. The top two, regardless of party affiliation, will head into a runoff election in November.
Matsui has represented the Sacramento area for two decades. She took the seat after a special election following the death of her husband, former Congressman Robert Matsui. Va…