Utah's New House District Sparks Contentious Democratic Primary

WHO:

ABC News - Utah Democrats, President Trump, Ben McAdams, Nate Blouin, Liban Mohamed, Michael Farrell, Celeste Maloy, Phil Lyman, Blake Moore, Karianne Lisonbee, Kent Udell, independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost.

WHAT:

ABC News - A primary election is set for a redrawn U.S. House district in Utah, featuring a contest among four Democratic candidates: Ben McAdams, Nate Blouin, Liban Mohamed, and Michael Farrell.

ABC News - The 1st District seat is considered a solidly left-leaning area, with the Democratic primary winner expected to face Republican Riley Owen in the general election.

KSL News - Statewide voter turnout in Utah was reported at 19.4% as of 10 a.m. on the day before the primary election.

KSL News - The primary election includes three of four congressional districts in Utah, with no primary races for governor or U.S. Senate this year.

WHERE:

ABC News - The primary election is taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah.

KSL News - The congressional districts mentioned include the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Districts in Utah.

WHEN:

ABC News - The primary election is scheduled for a Tuesday.

KSL News - All primary ballots must be turned in by 8 p.m. on the day of the primary election.

WHY:

ABC News - The redrawn U.S. House districts in Utah are a result of a lengthy legal battle, which is expected to help Democrats gain control of the House.

ABC News - Candidates are trying to appeal to a more progressive electorate in a district that has historically leaned conservative.

HOW:

ABC News - The Democratic primary is open, allowing any voter in the district to participate regardless of party affiliation.

KSL News - Allegations of improper mailers have arisen in the 2nd Congressional District, with Rep. Blake Moore's office defending the mailers as compliant with regulations.

(UPDATED June 23, 2026 08:12 UTC)

In Salt Lake City, Utah, a primary election is set to take place for a newly redrawn U.S. House district, featuring a competitive race among four Democratic candidates: Ben McAdams, Nate Blouin, Liban Mohamed, and Michael Farrell. The winner of this primary, which is open to all voters in the district regardless of party affiliation, is expected to face Republican Riley Owen in the general election, as the 1st District is considered solidly left-leaning. Meanwhile, statewide voter turnout was reported at 19.4% as of 10 a.m. the day before the primary, and allegations of improper mailers have emerged in the 2nd Congressional District, with Rep. Blake Moore's office asserting that the mailers comply with regulations.