Sacramento City Councilwoman Mai Vang was trailing in early election returns Tuesday night in her Democratic primary challenge against longtime incumbent Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

Vang, who serves on the Sacramento City Council, has drawn attention for her practice of not reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and turning away from the American flag during city council meetings. This behavior has generated criticism from some local residents.

The primary contest pitted the city councilwoman against Matsui, who has represented the Sacramento area in Congress for multiple terms. The race represents a challenge from within the Democratic Party in what is considered a safe Democratic district.

Early vote tallies showed Vang behind Matsui, though final results were still being tabulated. The outcome will determine which candidate advances to represent the Democratic Party in the general election for the congressional seat.

The election results reflect voter preferences in a district where Democratic candidates typically face their main competition in the primary rather than the general election.