Elections
Voters weigh what kind of Democrat they want for Utah's new, blue Congressional seat June 22, 20265:00 AM ET
Candidate handouts are displayed at an event for candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district in Taylorsville, Utah on March 21. While some candidates have since dropped out, four remain including former Rep. Ben McAdams and state Sen. Nate Blouin. Hannah Schoenbaum/AP hide caption
toggle caption Hannah Schoenbaum/APIn the past, a Democrat running for Congress in Utah would typically face an uphill battle. But, for the first time in modern history, Utah has a safe Democratic congressional seat that could help determine the makeup of the House majority come November.
The outcome is a result of a mid-decade redistricting process that had nothing to do with President Trump and everything to do with a years-long legal battle to prevent partisan gerrymandering. The legal battle ended with Utah's four congressional districts redrawn.
Cook Political Report labels the newly redrawn 1st Congressional District as +12 points for Democrats, though some argue it's even bluer, based on the percentage of its population that voted for former Vice President Kamala Harris. The new map concentrated the capital and largest city Salt Lake City, the bluest dot in a red sea, into one seat and included many of the more Democratic-leaning suburbs. The opportunity to elect a Democrat has generated enthusiasm among the Utah Democratic Party in an era when sentiment for the national party is floundering.
It's also created one of the most competitive Democratic primary election races Utah has ever seen. In a crowded field, voters will pick between four candidates who are all different flavors of Democrat, ranging from moderate to much more progressive and aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America.
"Democrats are the odds on favorites to win this district. The question has shifted from can a Democrat win to the question of which Democrat will win," said Damon Cann, professor of political science at Utah State University.
The top three candidates, Democratic state Sen. Nate Blouin, former Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams and the political newcomer and Utah Democratic convention winner Liban Mohamed, are all presenting different messages to voters.
Liban Mohamed won more than 51% of the delegates at the Utah Democratic Party's nominating convention in April, though the primary will decide the final nominee. In this file photo, Mohamed speaks on a panel of candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district in Taylorsville, Utah on March 21. Hannah Schoenbaum/AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum/AP hide caption
toggle caption Hannah Schoenbaum/AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum/APWhy Utah's race matters nationally
The new district is the biggest opportunity Utah Democrats have ever had for Congressional representation, especially when the majority margin in Congress is miniscule.
"We have the ability to add to the body and the Democrats in the House of Representatives in a way that may swing that chamber back to Democratic control," said Brian King, the chair of the Utah Democratic Party.
Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin, left, and tax attorney Michael Farrell speak on a panel of candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district in Taylorsville, Utah on March 21. Hannah Schoenbaum/AP hide caption
toggle caption Hannah Schoenbaum/AP
Utah state Sen. Nate Blouin, left, and tax attorney Michael Farrell speak on a panel of candidates running to represent Utah's new Democratic-leaning congressional district in Taylorsville, Utah on March 21. Hannah Schoenbaum/AP hide caption
toggle caption Hannah Schoenbaum/AP
