Ben McAdams Wins Utah's 1st Congressional District Seat

Democrat Ben McAdams won a decisive victory in Utah's newly created 1st Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Republican newcomer Riley Owen with approximately 72% of the vote to 25%. The win marks McAdams' return to Congress six years after losing his 2020 reelection bid, making him the first Utah House member in over 50 years to serve nonconsecutive terms.

The election followed a 2025 court ruling by Judge Dianna Gibson, who determined that Utah's previous boundaries were illegally gerrymandered. The resulting map favored Democrats in Salt Lake County, facilitating McAdams' victory and contributing to Democrats regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

During the campaign, McAdams focused on the rising costs of groceries, healthcare, and housing. Following the results, Riley Owen, a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, conceded the race and suggested that the national election results indicate the conservative movement requires a new vision.