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Ben McAdams Launches Comeback Bid as Court-Drawn Map Creates Salt Lake County Democratic Stronghold

The court-selected map concentrates Salt Lake County into a safe Democratic seat that is already reshaping Utah’s 2026 House race.

Overview

  • 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson rejected the GOP-drawn map and adopted a plaintiffs’ plan from the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government, creating a Democratic-leaning district centered on Salt Lake City.
  • Former Rep. Ben McAdams formally entered the new 1st District race, emphasizing affordability and leaning on his moderate record as a past Salt Lake County mayor and one-term congressman.
  • State Sen. Kathleen Riebe announced her campaign a day earlier, pledging to reject corporate PAC money and focusing on costs and health care as core issues.
  • The new district is rated heavily Democratic — analyses note Kamala Harris carried the area by more than 20 points — and a competitive Democratic primary is expected, with State Sen. Nate Blouin and activist Caroline Gleich considering bids.
  • Utah Republicans blasted the ruling and are weighing legal options, while national Democratic groups signal the seat is a prime pickup as they target House control in 2026.