### “Guess Who’s Back? The Moderate Democrat You Didn’t Ask For”
Former Rep. Ben McAdams just won his primary, which means he’s one step closer to making a triumphant return to Congress. How thrilling!
In a state that’s about as red as a firetruck, McAdams managed to fend off a lineup of progressive challengers in Utah’s freshly redrawn 1st District. This district has all the charm of a blue oasis in a sea of crimson, thanks to a drawn-out redistricting mess that took a decade to unfold.
Now, as we gear up for November, McAdams is the frontrunner in a district that former Vice President Kamala Harris won by nearly 24 points in 2024. That’s right; he’s got the odds stacked in his favor, despite the fact that he lost his reelection bid in 2020. He won his first term in the 2018 Democratic wave, but apparently, that wave didn’t carry him far enough last time.
McAdams is your typical centrist Democrat — you know, the kind that loves to say “let’s find common ground” while pushing for a balanced budget amendment. His progressive opponents tried to brand him as too conservative, especially when it came to his past record on abortion. One of them, state Sen. Nate Blouin, even suggested they all rally behind a single candidate to avoid splitting the vote. Spoiler alert: No one took him up on that.
And surprise, surprise, McAdams raised more money than the other three Democrats combined. Shocking, right? It’s almost like the establishment has its favorites.
So, as McAdams packs his bags for a potential second stint in Congress, you have to wonder: Is this what the voters really want, or just what the party insiders think they need?
By Admin | Published: June 24, 2026 at 1:16 am
