Former Utah State Senator Drops Congressional Bid

Derek Kitchen cites personal reasons for withdrawing from 1st District race

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:40pm

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Derek Kitchen, a former Democratic state senator in Utah, announced on Friday that he is no longer running for the state's newly drawn 1st Congressional District. Kitchen rose to prominence as an LGBTQ+ rights leader in Salt Lake City after prevailing in a landmark 2013 federal lawsuit that overturned Utah's ban on same-sex marriage.

Why it matters

Kitchen's withdrawal leaves an open field for the blue-leaning 1st District seat, with seven Democrats now vying for the nomination, including state senators and a Salt Lake City council member. His decision not to run highlights the competitive nature of the race and the shifting political landscape in Utah.

The details

Kitchen announced his decision to drop out of the race on the last day of the congressional candidate filing period. In a statement, he said, "While this won't be my race, I care deeply about Utah's future and the people who make our communities strong." Kitchen had positioned himself as the progressive candidate compared to former Rep. Ben McAdams, a moderate Democrat also running for the seat.

  • Kitchen announced his decision to withdraw from the race on March 13, 2026, the last day of the congressional candidate filing period.

The players

Derek Kitchen

A former Democratic state senator in Utah who rose to prominence as an LGBTQ+ rights leader in Salt Lake City after prevailing in a landmark 2013 federal lawsuit that overturned Utah's ban on same-sex marriage.

Ben McAdams

A former Democratic U.S. Representative who is also running for the 1st Congressional District seat.

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What they’re saying

“While this won't be my race, I care deeply about Utah's future and the people who make our communities strong.”

— Derek Kitchen, Former Democratic State Senator (Axios)

The takeaway

Kitchen's withdrawal from the race leaves an open field for the blue-leaning 1st District seat, with seven Democrats now vying for the nomination. This highlights the competitive nature of the race and the shifting political landscape in Utah, where LGBTQ+ rights have become a key issue.