Q&A: Liban Mohamed wants to cut costs and prioritize working people
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Courtesy: Liban Mohamed Campaign
Political newcomer Liban Mohamed, who wooed delegates at the state convention, is running in the Democratic primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District.
State of play: At 27, Mohamed is the youngest candidate in the race. The son of Somali immigrants, he previously worked on public policy for TikTok and Meta before leaving the tech industry to seek elected office.
How it works: Axios Salt Lake City asked Mohamed to complete a survey ahead of the June 23 primary to better understand his priorities and approach to representing the district.
Here's what he told us:
1. What is the single biggest issue facing Utahns and what would you do about it?
The most pressing issue facing voters is that our government prioritizes corporate power and endless military expansion over working people. Families are struggling with housing costs, healthcare, and wages, while billionaires and corporations gain more control over our politics and daily lives. I will support laws that put Utahns first by lowering costs, expanding affordable housing and healthcare, creating good-paying jobs, and getting corporate money out of politics.
2. What have congressional Democrats gotten wrong in the first two years of President Trump's second term?
Buckling to Trump in March of 2025 by passing a stopgap bill that included an increase in defense spending. Failing to put forth a proper foreign policy vision: not acknowledging the genocide of Palestinians, not opposing the war in Iran, and staying silent on the attacks on sovereignty in Latin America. Democrats have also failed in not daring to be bolder. With so many Americans struggling, we should be the party leading towards a better future.
3. Describe your favorite part about living in Utah in five words or less.
Its great and diverse landscapes.
4. Describe your leadership style in one word.
Unorthodox.
See Mohamed's competitors' survey responses here: Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell and Ben McAdams