Democrats in Utah’s newly created 1st Congressional District will decide Tuesday whether they are ready for a progressive firebrand or prefer a seasoned pragmatist.
The latest polling shows the race will likely come down to Ben McAdams, a seasoned politician who is seen as more moderate and says it’s a “mistake” to reduce voters — or the race itself — to a binary choice between progressive and moderate politics, or Nate Blouin, a progressive Democrat who aligns with prominent figures in the democratic socialist movement, including his endorser, Vermont Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Votes will also be cast for progressive candidates Michael Farrell and Liban Mohammed, who won the Democratic nomination at the state convention in April.
The candidate who wins the June primary will go up against Republican Riley Owen in the November general election.
King: This is an opportunity
In April, Utah’s 1st District race was initially met with multiple controversies.
As he has gotten to know the candidates throughout the campaign, Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King said he has come away impressed by all four, describing them as “high-quality candidates” focused on helping move Utah in the right direction.
He told the Deseret News his concern lies in Utahns focusing too heavily on identity politics when casting their votes.
“I think we’re far too attached to the labels and to party affiliation, it’s not good for us in Utah, it’s not good for us across the country,” he said. “I really think people need to make the best choice for their preferences and their values and their priorities, and let the party affiliation go by the wayside.”
In tandem with party politics, King said too many Utahns — specifically Democrats — think voting is pointless in a Republican dominated state.
“I just want people to get out and be involved. The worst thing that could happen in our country and in our state is for people saying it doesn’t matter,” he continued. “That is absolutely not true.”
Utah’s congressional map was redrawn by two nonprofits then selected by a judge last November after a long legal battle, creating a blue dot in Utah’s red landscape. King said that has definitely energized some Democrats who now see it as an opportunity to elect one of their own to Utah’s congressional delegation.
“They’re getting off the sidelines more this year than they have been in the past,” he said. “I think they do feel their vote matters now.” Combined with state and federal issues that have generated significant anxiety, frustration and anger, he said, that sense of urgency is driving more people to the polls.
Polls will close at 8 p.m. MDT.