Four candidates are set to compete in the June 23, 2026, Democratic primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District, following a court order that mandated the adoption of a new U.S. House map.
The Democratic Primary Candidates
The Democratic primary field includes Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell, Ben McAdams, and Liban Mohamed. According to Ballotpedia, the race follows a November 10, 2025, ruling by Judge Dianna Gibson, which found the previous redistricting process unconstitutional and ordered a new map for adoption.
New Redistricting Map Details
The new district configuration is considered more Democratic-leaning, covering much of Salt Lake County. Analysis cited by Ballotpedia noted that former Vice President Kamala Harris would have won the district by 24 percentage points during the 2024 presidential election.
Candidate Qualification and Convention Results
The candidates entered the primary through different paths during the April 2026 Democratic convention. Liban Mohamed advanced to the primary via a convention vote, while Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell, and Ben McAdams secured spots by submitting at least 7,000 required petition signatures.
Farrell's Exit from Primary Race
Michael Farrell, a former tax attorney, did not appear on the primary ballot after losing in the Democratic convention on April 25, 2026. The remaining candidates will face voters in June as part of what has been identified as a battleground primary.
Internal Democratic Party Dynamics
The primary race highlights internal party dynamics. As reported by Ballotpedia, the Salt Lake Tribune noted divisions between older, moderate members of the party and a rising generation of progressives.
Candidate Backgrounds and Campaign Focus
Candidates such as Nate Blouin, a former Utah Senator, and Ben McAdams, a former U.S. Representative and Salt Lake County Mayor, bring established political backgrounds to the race, while Liban Mohamed has focused his campaign on issues of economic justice.
The general election for Utah's 1st Congressional District is scheduled for November 3, 2026. The Republican primary for the seat was canceled, leaving Riley Owen (R) and Jesse West (L) as candidates for the general election.
