Four candidates will compete in the June 23, 2026, Democratic primary for Utah's 1st Congressional District, as the race follows a court-ordered redistricting that created a more Democratic-leaning seat covering much of Salt Lake County.
The Primary Candidates
The primary field includes Nate Blouin, Ben McAdams, Liban Mohamed, and Michael Farrell. According to Ballotpedia, Blouin, McAdams, and Mohamed led in fundraising and local media attention as of April 2026.
Redistricting and New District Map
The upcoming election follows a November 10, 2025, ruling by Judge Dianna Gibson, who ordered the adoption of a new U.S. House map after finding the previous adoption process unconstitutional. Under this new configuration, political analysts noted that the 1st District covers most of Salt Lake County and would have been won by Kamala Harris by 24 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.
Internal Party Dynamics and Challenges
The Democratic primary highlights internal party dynamics. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the race reveals divisions between older, moderate pragmatists and a rising generation of progressive idealists. Additionally, Weber State University professor Leah Murray told KUER that candidates face the challenge of differentiating themselves despite having few significant policy differences.
How Candidates Secured Primary Spots
The candidate lineup was shaped by the Democratic Party of Utah's nominating convention held on April 24-25, 2026. Liban Mohamed advanced to the primary via the convention vote, while Nate Blouin, Michael Farrell, and Ben McAdams secured their spots by submitting 7,000 required petition signatures.
General Election and Republican Status
While the Democratic primary features four contenders, the Republican primary for the district was canceled. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with Riley Owen (R) and Jesse West (L) currently running for the seat.
