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Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams wins Democratic primary for Utah's 1st District
McAdams defeated three progressive challengers and is favored to face Republican Riley Owen in a district Democrats expect to win.
On Tuesday, former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams won the Democratic primary in Utah's redrawn 1st Congressional District, defeating three progressive challengers to secure the party's nomination.
A judge-selected congressional map created a 'blue dot' in Utah's red landscape last November, transforming the 1st Congressional District into a viable Democratic pickup opportunity after a legal redistricting battle.
McAdams pledged support for abortion rights this cycle, shifting from his 2018 moderate platform. State Sen. Nate Blouin, backed by Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders and Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Greg Casar, finished behind McAdams.
McAdams will face Republican Riley Owen, an intelligence officer in the Navy Reserve, in November's general election. Democrats are strongly favored to win the seat, crucial for gaining House control.
The victory disappointed voters hoping to push the Democratic Party leftward, marking a departure from decades of Democratic appeals to Utah's conservative electorate. The 1st Congressional District remains central to national House strategy.