Former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams has won the Democratic primary in a redrawn U.S. House district in Utah that Democrats are favored to win this fall. The seat in the Salt Lake City area is among the few anticipated Democratic pickups following a national redistricting fight started by President Donald Trump.
It could be crucial for Democrats, who need to gain only a few House seats to take control of the narrowly divided chamber. McAdams defeated several candidates to his political left.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Celeste Maloy has fended off a conservative challenge from the right to win the Republican primary in the new 3rd Congressional District. Rep. Blake Moore also pushed aside his conservative challenger to hold on to his nomination in the 2nd District.
Elsewhere, aftershocks from the ongoing debate over the Box Elder County data center have pushed aside Senate President Stuart Adams, a powerful lawmaker who has served in the Legislature since 2010. Other notable state legislators who fell behind in their primaries include outspoken firebrand Republican Trevor Lee, who conceded to Bob Stevenson in District 16, and Dan McCay, who trailed in a challenge from fellow lawmaker Doug Fiefia. McCay conceded in the Senate District 18 race.
