Key facts
- Utah's congressional districts have been redrawn, creating a new, left-leaning seat in the Salt Lake City area.
- Former Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams is competing in a crowded primary for the new 1st District seat.
- McAdams faces progressive challengers, including state Sen. Nate Blouin, Liban Mohamed, and Michael Farrell.
- Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy is challenged by Phil Lyman in the 3rd District primary.
- Phil Lyman, who received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, is running on a conservative platform.
Utah voters are participating in primary elections under newly drawn congressional district maps, which have significantly altered the political landscape. The most notable change is the creation of a solidly left-leaning seat in the Salt Lake City area, the 1st District, which is expected to be a Democratic pickup in the general election.
In the 1st District, former Democratic U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams faces a challenge from his political left. McAdams, once considered a moderate Democrat, is attempting to appeal to the district's new progressive leanings, while his opponents are urging each other to withdraw to consolidate support for a progressive candidate. Among his challengers are state Sen. Nate Blouin, former Meta and TikTok employee Liban Mohamed, and political newcomer Michael Farrell. Blouin has faced scrutiny for past controversial social media posts, while Mohamed secured the party's backing at the state convention.
The other three of Utah's four congressional seats are considered safely Republican. In the 3rd District, incumbent Republican Rep. Celeste Maloy is facing a challenge from former state lawmaker Phil Lyman. Lyman, who has embraced false claims of fraud from the 2020 election and was pardoned by President Donald Trump, is known for organizing an illegal ATV ride in protest of federal land decisions. Maloy, who was endorsed by Trump, was first elected in a special election in 2023.
The redistricting effort, initiated by President Donald Trump, aims to help Republicans maintain their majority in the U.S. House, though Democrats are projected to gain seats nationally.