Former U.S.Rep.
Ben McAdams won the Democratic nomination for Utah's newly created 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, prevailing in a competitive four-way primary that became one of the state's most expensive congressional contests of the 2026 election cycle.McAdams defeated Utah state Sen.Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell and former big tech worker Liban Mohamed to advance to the general election in November.The former congressman will now face Republican nominee Riley Owen in a race expected to be among Utah's most closely watched congressional contests.Utah state Sen.
Nate Blouin, left, and tax attorney Michael Farrell speak on a panel of candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district, March 21, 2026, in Taylorsville, Utah.(Hannah Schoenbaum / AP)The Democratic primary attracted significant attention from donors and outside political groups, underscoring the district's importance in the battle for control the lower Congressional chamber.
According to campaign finance filings, candidates and outside organizations spent approximately $4.6 million on the race.McAdams held a substantial fundraising advantage throughout the campaign.He raised roughly $1.9 million, exceeding the combined fundraising total of his three Democratic opponents.Outside groups also invested heavily in support of his candidacy as national Democrats viewed the district as their strongest opportunity to gain a congressional seat in Utah.RED STATE JUDGE CHOOSES NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP IN FIGHT THAT COULD RESHAPE HOUSE CONTROLFormer U.S.
Rep.Ben McAdams speaks at a forum for candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district, March 21, 2026, in Taylorsville, Utah.
(Hannah Schoenbaum / AP)The race also drew attention because of high-profile endorsements.Blouin, a state lawmaker, received backing from progressive figures including Sen.
Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., while McAdams emphasized his record as a centrist Democrat who has w...