Upset win lifts newcomer Liban Mohamed in Utah's 1st District race
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Campaign signs posted outside the Democratic State Convention at Jordan High School in Sandy. Photo: Kim Bojórquez/Axios
In an upset victory, political newcomer Liban Mohamed secured delegates' support at the Democratic state convention Saturday as the top candidate in Utah's 1st Congressional District race.
Why it matters: Mohamed's narrow win over former congressman Ben McAdams, the race's fundraising frontrunner, signals a potential shift among Democratic delegates toward a candidate with more progressive ideas.
What they're saying: "From the beginning of this race, everybody told me that this is too bold, too different, too risky," the 27-year-old told the auditorium. "So I ask you, what is the bigger risk? The risk of fighting for economic justice or the risk of staying silent as our costs rise and wages stay stagnant? The risk of hope or the certainty of the status quo?"
- "He energized the whole room," said delegate Sheila Johnston, an educator in Wasatch County and a lifelong Republican who switched to the Democratic Party this year.
- Mohamed, endorsed by progressive Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), was joined on stage by House Minority Leader Angela Romero.
State of play: In addition to Mohamed, state Sen. Nate Blouin, attorney Mike Farrell and McAdams each gathered the 7,000 signatures required to appear on the ballot before the convention, setting up a four-way Democratic primary.
- Meanwhile, Salt Lake City Council Member Eva Lopez Chavez and candidate Luis Villarreal failed to qualify for the ballot.
By the numbers: Liban shored up 51.1% of support compared to McAdams' 48.9% after five rounds of rank-choice voting — a 15-vote difference.
The big picture: The convention was abuzz with excitement over the real possibility of electing a Democrat to Congress for the first time since Utah voters sent McAdams to Congress in 2018.
Yes, but: The closely watched race has been rocked by scandal in the days leading up to the convention.
- Blouin faced backlash over resurfaced social media posts mocking Latter-day Saints and minimizing sexual assault and Lopez Chavez has been accused of sexual misconduct by multiple Democratic elected officials, according to the Salt Lake Tribune and KSL.
Inside the auditorium: During their speeches, Mohamed, who previously worked on public policy for Meta and TikTok, elicited the loudest cheers of any CD1 candidate.
- An energized McAdams was interrupted by a heckler, who was promptly escorted out of the auditorium.
- Blouin faced the controversy around his past social posts head on, saying he was "humbled" last week.
- Lopez Chavez, on the other hand, avoided the controversy surrounding her alleged conduct and received boos from the crowd.
What's next: Ballots go out to voters beginning June 2, ahead of the June 23 primary election.