Democrats eye Utah's new left-leaning congressional district
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As Utah's redrawn congressional boundaries take shape, Democratic hopefuls are already emerging in the race for the new left-leaning seat.
Why it matters: Utah hasn't elected a Democrat to Congress since 2018, and a new congressional map selected by a judge this week threatens to end the state's all-Republican delegation.
The big picture: The redrawn district gives Democrats an unexpected opportunity to flip one of four House seats that could help their party regain control of Congress in the 2026 midterms.
State of play: Ben McAdams, a Democrat who served one term in Congress between 2019 and 2021, is widely expected to jump into the race as the leading contender, according to multiple reports.
- He filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission last month and has garnered the support of Welcome PAC, a political action committee that boosts centrist Democrats.
- Democratic state Sen. Kathleen Riebe, an educator, launched her campaign Wednesday, pledging to lower the cost of living for families and make health care more affordable.
- State Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat, told Axios he's "seriously" considering a bid for the seat and consulting with his family.
What they're saying: McAdams' name recognition and fundraising ability "puts a damper on other people wanting to run," former Utah Democratic Party Chair Jeff Merchant told Axios.
- Merchant pointed out McAdams' advantage as former Salt Lake County mayor — a jurisdiction of nearly 1.2 million residents.
- The newly drawn District 1 encompasses much of the northern portion of the county.
Catch up quick: McAdams narrowly defeated two-term GOP Rep. Mia Love in 2018 by fewer than 700 votes.
- He lost reelection in 2020 to Republican Burgess Owens after the GOP-led redistricting process following the Census made the district more conservative.
Yes, but: Utah's redistricting fight is far from over.
- Gov. Spencer Cox has backed an appeal of the judge's decision, arguing that the state constitution gives the Legislature power to divide congressional districts.
- Meanwhile, the Utah GOP is moving to repeal Proposition 4 — an anti-gerrymandering ballot initiative approved by voters in 2018 that created the state's independent redistricting commission.