Former House Democrat wins Utah election to return to Capitol Hill

Former Rep. Ben McAdams (D) is projected to win the race to represent Utah’s 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.

The Democrat defeated Republican nominee Riley Owen in the election to replace GOP Rep. Blake Moore, who opted to run in the state’s 2nd District after his seat was redrawn in Democrats’ favor.

DDHQ projected the race for McAdams at 10 p.m. EST.

McAdams previously represented Utah’s 4th District from 2019 to 2021, serving as the only Democratic member of Utah’s congressional delegation during this time period. He lost his seat in 2020 to Rep. Burgess Owens (R).

The moderate Democrat campaigned on reducing everyday costs, protecting public lands, defending human rights and increasing accountability and oversight of President Trump’s immigration enforcement operations.

Prior to his time in government, the Democrat worked as a lawyer in Salt Lake City and served as a senior adviser to former city Mayor Ralph Becker (D).

His campaign garnered support from the Human Rights Campaign , the American Federation of Government Employees, Moms Demand Action, Defend the Vote, and New Democrat Coalition Action Fund.