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Democrats Embrace Progressivism to Compete in Utah's New Blue District
Candidates try to outflank each other on the left in an unusual race that could help determine control of the U.S. House
Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:54pm
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For decades, Democrats in Utah have had to run as moderate conservatives to have any chance of getting elected to Congress. But a redistricting shakeup has created a new deep blue district anchored by Salt Lake City, prompting Democratic candidates to embrace more progressive platforms in an effort to win the primary and likely the general election.
Why it matters
This race in Utah's 1st district could be a bellwether for how Democrats approach campaigning in conservative states, as the party tries to win back control of the House of Representatives in the 2022 midterm elections. The outcome could also shape the long-term political landscape in Utah, a fast-growing state that could gain additional House seats after the 2030 census.
The details
Several Democratic candidates are running in the primary, including former Congressman Ben McAdams, who is trying to make a comeback after losing reelection in 2020. McAdams, once considered a conservative Democrat, is now pledging support for abortion rights and a higher minimum wage to appeal to the more progressive voters in the new district. Other candidates, like state Senator Nate Blouin, are running as unapologetic progressives, drawing endorsements from national figures like Bernie Sanders. The open primary, which allows any voter to participate regardless of party affiliation, could benefit a candidate like McAdams who has built a broad base of support in the past.
- The Democratic primary election in Utah's 1st district will be held on June 23, 2026.
- The general election for the U.S. House seat in Utah's 1st district will be held in November 2026.
The players
Ben McAdams
A former Congressman who previously represented a more conservative district in Utah, but is now running in the new deep blue 1st district and trying to appeal to more progressive voters.
Nate Blouin
A state Senator and the most vocal progressive Democrat in Utah's Republican-led legislature, who is running for the 1st district seat and has secured endorsements from national progressive figures.
Utah Republican Party
The state Republican party, which rejects the notion that younger voters in Utah are shifting away from conservative principles.
Ken Martin
The Democratic National Committee Chairman, who views Utah's 1st district as a potential foothold in a red state that could help the party win the House and set it up for long-term success.
Robert Axson
The chairman of the Utah Republican Party, who says the younger generation in Utah continues to promote conservative principles.
What they’re saying
“'What makes me a strong candidate is the fact that I've actually delivered on a lot of things people are talking about. It's easy to have a strongly worded tweet or talking points, but I can actually follow that up with accomplishments that are making life better.'”
— Ben McAdams, Candidate
“'I don't measure progress by how many times you can get pats on the back from Republicans.'”
— Nate Blouin, State Senator and Candidate
“'Everything I am seeing shows the younger generation continuing to lead in the promotion of our conservative principles. While we see the generational passing of the torch, there is not a political swing away from the values that make Utah a wonderful place to call home.'”
— Robert Axson, Utah Republican Party Chairman
What’s next
The winner of the Democratic primary on June 23, 2026 will likely go on to win the general election in November 2026 and represent Utah's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The takeaway
This race in Utah's new 1st district highlights the Democratic party's efforts to appeal to more progressive voters, even in traditionally conservative states. The outcome could set the tone for how Democrats approach campaigning in red states and shape the long-term political landscape in Utah, a fast-growing state that could gain additional House seats in the future.
