Former U.S. Representative Ben McAdams secured the Democratic nomination for Utah’s newly created 1st Congressional District after a closely contested four‑candidate primary.
McAdams defeated state Senator Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell and former tech employee Liban Mohamed to earn the party’s ticket, and will meet Republican nominee Riley Owen in the November general election.
The primary attracted roughly $4.6 million in total spending, according to campaign finance filings. McAdams raised about $1.9 million, outpacing the combined contributions of his three Democratic rivals. Outside political groups also poured significant resources into the contest.
Blouin received endorsements from prominent progressive figures, while McAdams highlighted his centrist record and prior success in competitive races within a traditionally Republican state.
McAdams previously represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2019 to 2021, becoming one of the few Democrats elected from the state in recent decades before narrowly losing his 2020 reelection bid.
The 1st District emerged after a court invalidated the legislature’s former congressional map, leading to a Salt Lake City‑centered district that leans Democratic. Critics of the prior map argued it fragmented Salt Lake County voters across multiple districts, weakening their influence.
The redrawn boundaries have altered Utah’s congressional landscape, creating a rare competitive district in a state long dominated by Republicans and drawing heightened attention to the upcoming race.
