Former U.S. Representative Ben McAdams secured the Democratic nomination for Utah's newly established 1st Congressional District on June 24, 2026. He won a competitive four-way primary against state Senator Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell, and Liban Mohamed. McAdams will face Republican nominee Riley Owen in the general election scheduled for November.
The Democratic primary garnered significant financial backing, with campaign finance filings indicating that candidates and outside organizations spent approximately $4.6 million. McAdams raised around $1.9 million, surpassing the total fundraising of his three opponents. National Democrats viewed the district as a key opportunity to gain a congressional seat in Utah, leading to substantial support from outside groups.
The primary was notable for endorsements, with Blouin receiving support from progressive figures including Senator Bernie Sanders. McAdams, a centrist Democrat, previously represented Utah's 4th Congressional District from 2019 to 2021 but lost his reelection bid in 2020.
The newly created 1st District emerged from litigation over Utah's congressional boundaries, resulting in a Salt Lake City-based district that leans Democratic. Critics of the previous map argued it diluted the voting strength of Salt Lake County residents by dividing the area among multiple districts.