State Sen. Nate Blouin jumps into House race with big backing

• Sanders garnered solid backing from Utah Democrats after winning the 2016 Democratic presidential preference caucus and the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

What they're saying: "Republican leaders have … called me a punk for speaking truth to power — and you know what? I'm proud of that," Blouin said in a campaign ad, pledging to take on big corporations and President Trump.

Catch up quick: Blouin joins a growing list of candidates that includes former state Sen. Derek Kitchen; Utah's last Democratic congressman, Ben McAdams; and state Sen. Kathleen Riebe.

• Since entering office in 2023, Blouin gained attention for criticizing Republican state lawmakers, though he hasn't seen any of his bills enacted.

Caveat: Utah's redistricting battle is far from over after Republican leaders announced a special session and plan to appeal to the state supreme court to overturn the congressional map selected last month.