Former Representative Ben McAdams (D-Utah) is projected to win the race for Utah's 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. The projection came at 10 p.m. EST, as McAdams defeated Republican nominee Riley Owen in a contest that drew national attention.
McAdams, who served Utah's 4th District from 2019 to 2021, becomes the first Democrat to represent the 1st District in decades. His victory adds to a wave of Democratic gains as the party reclaims control of the House, a development that ended GOP control of the chamber.
The 1st District was previously held by Republican Blake Moore, who chose to run in the state's 2nd District after redistricting made his old seat more favorable to Democrats. Moore's decision left the seat open, and McAdams seized the opportunity.
McAdams, a moderate Democrat and former Salt Lake County mayor, campaigned on a platform of lowering everyday costs for Utah families, protecting public lands, defending human rights, and increasing accountability and oversight of President Trump's immigration enforcement operations. His message resonated with voters in a district that includes parts of Salt Lake City and surrounding suburbs.
Prior to his political career, McAdams worked as a lawyer in Salt Lake City and served as a senior adviser to former Mayor Ralph Becker. His experience in local government helped him connect with constituents on issues like housing and infrastructure.
The race was closely watched as a bellwether for suburban swing districts. McAdams's victory is part of a broader trend, including Democratic flips in Kentucky's 6th District and Pennsylvania's 8th District, that has boosted Democratic hopes for a strong majority.
McAdams's campaign received support from key progressive and centrist groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, the American Federation of Government Employees, Moms Demand Action, Defend the Vote, and the New Democrat Coalition Action Fund. That backing helped him build a robust ground game and out-raise his opponent.
With McAdams's win, Utah's congressional delegation will no longer be all-Republican, a notable shift in a deeply red state. His return to Capitol Hill is seen as a vindication of his previous service, where he was known for bipartisan efforts on healthcare and fiscal issues.
As Democrats prepare to take the majority, McAdams is expected to play a role in shaping policy on issues ranging from immigration reform to public lands management. His victory underscores the political realignment in the Mountain West, where suburban voters have increasingly drifted from the GOP.
