Who's In the Race

Ben McAdams and Riley Owen debated Sept. 29 at Salt Lake Community College, finding common ground on several issues but disagreeing over Medicaid and Social Security, according to Utah Public Radio. McAdams, a Democrat, faces Republican Owen and Libertarian Jesse West on Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Utah's 1st Congressional District, an open seat reshaped by court-ordered redistricting. ​

Incumbent Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) is seeking reelection in the 2nd District under the new map. McAdams, an attorney, represented Utah's 4th District from 2019 to 2021. Owen, 27, is a former White House policy analyst and Navy Reserve intelligence officer. McAdams won the Democratic primary with approximately 76%, defeating Liban Mohamed. Owen won a contested Republican primary, while West was unopposed.

What They Stand For

McAdams prioritizes affordable housing, protecting Social Security and opposing tariffs he says increase food, construction and housing costs. He supports federal artificial intelligence safeguards that protect privacy and workers, along with expanding geothermal, solar, and wind energy.

Owen supports affordable housing, six weeks of paid maternity leave, online child safety and efforts to restore the Great Salt Lake. Both candidates support AI oversight, but they have disagreed over Social Security financing and the government's role in health care.

West opposes prolonged overseas wars and the federal death penalty. He supports legal immigration pathways and cannabis legalization.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show McAdams reported $2.26 million in receipts and $299,350 in cash on hand through June 30. Owen reported $132,533 in receipts and $9,568 in cash, including $30,000 in candidate loans that were subsequently repaid.

Outside spending reportedly reached $2.7 million as of Oct. 8, overwhelmingly supporting McAdams. Think Big reportedly spent $1.13 million, New Democrat Majority $1.03 million, and America's Credit Unions PAC $300,000.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections rated the race Solid Democratic as of Sept. 25, Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, respectively. On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats a 92% chance of winning as of June 16.

Moore won approximately 67% in 2022 and 63% in 2024, under the previous district boundaries. Republicans won all four Utah House seats in both elections. Donald Trump carried Utah with approximately 59% in 2024.

Voter registration closes Oct. 23 at 5 p.m., with same-day registration available at early voting locations and on Election Day. Early voting begins Oct. 20. Mail-ballot requests are due Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.

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