Nearly two weeks after the election, Rep. Ben McAdams, Utah’s lone Democrat in Congress, conceded the race for the state’s 4th Congressional District to his Republican challenger, Burgess Owens.
During a press conference on Monday, McAdams said he was proud of his work in Congress and would help Owens transition into the seat.
“Neither of us comes from money or power,” McAdams said. “We have differences in political philosophy and how we approach public service, but we both love our country.”
Owens thanked McAdams on Twitter and expressed his gratitude to his constituents.
“I am committed to have an open ear to serve you,” he said.
I received a call from @BenMcAdams he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve #UT04 and his commitment to a smooth transition. My sincere thanks to him for both. Thank you my fellow Utahns, I am committed to have an open ear to serve you. Thank you for the opportunity
— Burgess Owens (@BurgessOwens) November 16, 2020
As of 4 p.m. Monday, the political newcomer was ahead of McAdams by 2,139 votes.
McAdams said he ran a campaign against extremism and that he felt he had been criticized by Democrats for being a moderate and by Republicans for “holding Trump accountable.” He said he hopes Owens works to heal the division in the country.
“The only way to rise to the challenges we’re facing as a country right now is if we come together,” he said. “It’s not my place to tell Burgess Owens how to be a member of Congress. We’re going to disagree about political ideologies, but he has my support, and I hope he’ll recognize the importance of rolling up your sleeves and the job of working for constituents.”
When McAdams beat former Republican Representative Mia Love for the seat in 2018, he bested her by just 694 votes.
Congratulations to my friend @BurgessOwens, who is poised to become Congressman-elect Owens, on his expected win here in UT-04. His integrity, leadership, selflessness, and honor are admirable and will make a desperately needed return to our great Congressional District. https://t.co/PMRZdzIwJe
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) November 16, 2020
With Owens replacing McAdams, all of Utah’s Congressional representatives will now be Republicans.
