Key facts
- Ben McAdams has won the Democratic primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District.
- The district was redrawn by court order and is now considered a Democratic-leaning seat.
- McAdams previously served one term in the House representing Utah's 4th District.
- He will face Republican intelligence officer Riley Owen in the general election.
- McAdams positioned himself as a centrist Democrat capable of winning over independents and moderate Republicans.
Former Rep. Ben McAdams is projected to win the Democratic primary for Utah’s newly redrawn 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. McAdams, a moderate who represented Utah’s 4th District from 2019 to 2021, defeated progressive state Sen. Nate Blouin and two other candidates. The race is seen as a promising pickup opportunity for Democrats in November, as the seat was redrawn via court order and now heavily favors Democrats. Democrats have not held a House seat in Utah since McAdams lost reelection in 2020. McAdams, who also previously served as Salt Lake County mayor and a state senator, pitched himself as a centrist capable of winning over independents and moderate Republicans. He also had superior fundraising, raising almost $2 million. Blouin, viewed as McAdams’ top challenger, positioned himself as a progressive alternative and secured endorsements from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Greg Casar. McAdams will face Republican nominee Riley Owen, a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, in the general election.