Former Sen. Derek Kitchen drops Utah congressional bid

What they're saying: "While this won't be my race, I care deeply about Utah's future and the people who make our communities strong," he said.

Catch up quick: Kitchen rose to prominence as an LGBTQ+ rights leader in Salt Lake City after prevailing in a landmark 2013 federal lawsuit that overturned Utah's ban on same-sex marriage.

• He positioned himself as the progressive candidate compared to former Rep. Ben McAdams, a moderate Democrat vying for the seat.

The big picture: As of Friday afternoon, seven Democrats, including state Sens. Nate Blouin and Kathleen Riebe and Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez, had declared their candidacy in the crowded race for the blue-leaning seat.

• Four Republicans and one Libertarian have also filed to run.