Scandals disrupt Democrats in Utah's new blue district
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Utah Democrats are heading to their statewide convention reeling from scandal following allegations of sexual misconduct and inflammatory comments by candidates in the high-profile, newly blue 1st Congressional District.
Why it matters: With its first safe U.S. House seat in memory, the party had a chance for a lively primary showcasing its breadth and depth, right as national leadership eyes the state for more resources and growth.
- Instead, oxygen is going to controversies around two progressive candidates — one accused of physical aggression against other Democrats, and the other having singled out key Utah constituencies for derision in past social media posts.
What they're saying: "This kind of behavior by anybody who's running for office … just makes it really challenging for people to take the party seriously," former state Democratic Party chair Jeff Merchant told Axios.
- He said the party has worked hard to rehabilitate its image after being painted by Republicans as being out of touch with "Utah values."
Catch up quick: In reports this week by the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL, Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez was accused by four Democrats, three of whom are elected officials, of unwanted sexual advances and physical abuse, which her attorney has denied.
- Last week, Punchbowl News published online comments written more than a decade ago in which state Sen. Nate Blouin disparaged Latter-day Saints and minimized sexual abuse. Blouin apologized and characterized the sentiments as the folly of a 20-something edgelord.
Between the lines: Because few Utah Democrats have had a realistic chance at a congressional seat, this race is candidates' first experience with the exposure that comes with seeking federal office, said Damon Cann, a Utah State political science professor.
- "I think Democrats are trying to find their footing a little bit here," Cann told Axios. "The lights are brighter, the microscope is more refined, and with so many more people paying attention … it's going to come out."
Zoom in: Because Lopez Chavez and Blouin are running as progressives, "my sense is that there'd probably be some level of disengagement" among left-leaning voters, Merchant said.
Context: The leading candidate in the race is former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams, who ran as a centrist Democrat when he narrowly won his 2019-2021 term, when he represented a more purple district.
- One analysis deemed him the "most conservative" Democrat in the House during his term.
The intrigue: Now with a newly drawn, solid-blue district, McAdams is trying to shed his centrist reputation.
- Many progressives aren't buying it.
The bottom line: With two left-leaning candidates under scrutiny — Blouin being widely considered McAdams' strongest challenger — some delegates may arrive at this weekend's convention feeling torn.
What's next: The outcome of the convention "will send signals to future candidates about what kinds of behaviors they will accept and what kinds of previous conduct could be destructive for a future campaign," Cann said.