Utah Democrats Face Heated Primary in Newly Redrawn Salt Lake City District

A redrawn U.S. House district in the Salt Lake City area has created an unexpected competitive Democratic primary in reliably Republican Utah, setting up a clash between moderate and progressive visions within the party. Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, once considered the most conservative House Democrat during his single congressional term, faces three progressive-leaning challengers in the 1st District primary scheduled for Tuesday. The redistricting battle, initiated by President Donald Trump to bolster Republican control of the House, ironically created a solidly left-leaning seat that Democrats view as one of their few anticipated gains in the November general election.

The primary contest reflects a broader ideological divide within the Democratic Party, with candidates attempting to outflank one another on the left—a stark departure from decades of Utah Democrats appealing to the state's conservative electorate. McAdams has attempted to rebrand himself for the new district, pledging support for abortion rights and claiming he is only "moderate in tone," a shift from his previous self-description as pro-life during his 2018 campaign. His three opponents include state Sen. Nate Blouin, a progressive firebrand who has garnered endorsements from prominent national figures including Senators Bernie Sanders and Democratic Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost. Two political newcomers—Liban Mohamed, a former Meta and TikTok employee who won the party's endorsement at the state convention, and Michael Farrell—also compete for the nomination.

The Democratic primary winner is expected to decisively defeat Republican nominee Riley Owen, a Navy Reserve intelligence officer selected at the state GOP spring convention, in the general election. The state's open primary system allows any registered voter in the district to participate regardless of party affiliation, potentially benefiting McAdams, who has built a broad constituent base. Utah's loss of one House seat following a lengthy legal redistricting battle has reshuffled the state's political landscape, leaving three of four remaining congressional seats safely Republican. Democrats need only a small net gain of seats nationally to win control of the House, making the Utah 1st District among the few seats they anticipate flipping this cycle.