Moderate Democrat Ben McAdams Wins Primary in Utah's New Left-Leaning District, CBS News Projects

June 23, 2026 / 10:47 PM EDT / CBS News

Moderate Democrat Ben McAdams Wins Primary in Utah's New Left-Leaning District, CBS News Projects

TL;DR

  • Ben McAdams, a moderate Democrat, won the primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District.
  • The district is newly drawn and leans Democratic, potentially impacting the House majority.
  • McAdams defeated three progressive candidates, including state Sen. Nate Blouin.
  • The 1st District encompasses Salt Lake City and its suburbs.
  • The University of Virginia's Sabato's Crystal Ball considers the district a safe pickup for Democrats.
  • Republican Rep. Blake Moore, who previously represented the old 1st District, is running in the 2nd District.
  • McAdams, a former congressman, had previously distanced himself from some past positions, particularly on abortion rights.
  • One of the progressive candidates, Nate Blouin, had to apologize for past social media posts.