The Democratic primary for Utah’s First Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the state’s most-watched races, thanks to a newly drawn congressional seat that favors Democrats. So, will voters send a Democrat (and *gasp* maybe even a progressive) to Congress? You decide!
City Cast Salt Lake sent a survey to all four candidates, so you can compare where they stand on the issues shaping Salt Lake right now. Answers are fact checked but unedited, and candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
What makes you uniquely the right person for this job?
- Blouin: “I'm the only candidate in this race with a real track record of showing up. For years, I've walked picket lines with striking workers, marched with protesters, and stood with the communities others only court at election time. In 2022, I beat a 36-year incumbent by over 50 points and became the loudest voice against Utah's GOP supermajority, even when it meant getting my mic cut on the Senate floor. This work didn't start when I filed to run, and it won't stop on election day.”
- Farrell: “I've worked as a tax attorney for the past 12 years. I understand how our economic and tax systems work and I know what these broken systems do to ordinary families. I’m the only candidate in this race who isn't a career politician, didn't spend the last few years as a lobbyist, and takes zero money from PACs (corporate or otherwise)*. None of my opponents have the skillset or lived experience needed to make our federal government work for the American people.”
- McAdams: “I’ve done this job before. I’ve built coalitions to tackle some of our toughest challenges and shown the courage to stand my ground and stand alone when courage is needed. In Congress, I voted to impeach Donald Trump knowing it could cost me my seat. It did. I’ve served as mayor, state senator, and member of Congress, and I know how to deliver results without losing sight of who pays the price when Washington fails. Utah needs someone tested, steady, and ready on day one.”
- Mohamed: “I am young, hungry, and the issues of affordability impact me directly like they impact many of your listeners. Buying a home, raising a family, and having quality health care all at the same time today seem like unreachable goals. I want to bring back the promise of the American dream to young Americans. I also have a track record of integrity. And when elected, I will be the only candidate with big tech experience in Congress**. Making me the most informed member to hold them accountable.”
Editor’s note: *This is a sweeping statement from Michael Farrell. According to federal campaign filings, neither Michael Farrell nor Liban Mohamed have received funding from PACs, while Ben McAdams and Nate Blouin have (see "committee contributions"). The other claims are pretty subjective, especially Farrell's last sentence.
**Liban Mohamed's claim that if elected, he will be "the only candidate with big tech experience in Congress" is wrong. Big Tech is generally defined as the largest technology companies in the U.S. — Alphabet/Google, Meta/Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. Mohamed has previously worked for Meta and TikTok. However, according to her biography, Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-WA, spent 12 years at Microsoft.
Do you consider yourself a moderate or progressive?
- Blouin: "I'm the proven progressive in this race. Government should work for working people, not corporate donors. I support Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, the PRO Act, and abolishing ICE. I won't take money from corporate PACs or AIPAC, and I'll say what too many won't: Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and we must end all aid to Israel. Bernie, the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, Natalie Pinkney and labor unions are with me because they know that I will never back down from a fight."
- Farrell: "I am a proud progressive. I believe every worker deserves at least a $20 minimum wage indexed to inflation, no one’s income should be based off tips, billionaires and corporations should pay their share, healthcare shouldn’t be a business, and that we should overturn Citizens United, abolish ICE, codify Roe, and pass the Green New Deal. Democrats win when we deliver for people, not when deliver for our corporate donors or our Big Tech employers or when we do nothing but post or hashtag at folks."
- McAdams: "I consider myself a leader with the courage to do what is right and the discipline to get things done. I voted to impeach Donald Trump and to protect Dreamers in one of the toughest seats in the country because both were right. I’ve also built coalitions to expand health care, protect LGBTQ Utahns, defend public lands, and solve hard problems. I’ll fight to lower costs, make childcare affordable, save the Great Salt Lake, and codify Roe. Call that moderate or progressive. I call it leadership."
- Mohamed: "I consider myself a progressive, within the US political discourse, but I don’t see myself as anything more than a reasonably concerned member of society. I believe that healthcare, housing, and Pre-K and childcare should be universal. Also that we are stronger when we lead with genuine diplomacy, respect foreign sovereignty, oppose genocide, and oppose endless wars. We pay into a form of government for a reason, it is time that we have representatives and programs that respond to our needs."
What is your favorite restaurant in CD1, and what do you order there?
- Blouin: "I am a BIG fan of Big Tortas in South Salt Lake – the name really speaks for itself. My go-to order is the Pierna al Horno torta, which is a hearty helping of baked pork leg with cheese, avocado and other fixings, with a healthy helping of whatever sauce they decide to throw in the bag, because they’re all highly addictive. Be careful, because some of them are deceptively spicy!"
- Farrell: "It’s hard to pick just one. CD1 has some incredible restaurants and my wife and I are certainly foodies. We are vegetarians, so we love a great meal with fantastic drinks and a variety of options. Shout out to Rio Grande Cafe, Urban Hill, Cotton Bottom Inn, Wildwood, Saffron Valley, Buds, Franklin Ave, and Vertical Diner. But Eva is our favorite. We always get the gnocchi, brussels sprouts, and whipped ricotta. And don’t forget dessert! Their sticky date pudding is the best in the city."
- McAdams: "Sugar House Station. I love that it has revived restaurants I’ve enjoyed for years and brought them together in a walkable, welcoming spot. It has become one of my regulars. I especially like anything from Canella's menu. My go-to is the Italian salad. I love the walkability and good vibe of the neighborhood. I’d like to help fast-growing, transit-accessible neighborhoods like this keep a local feel, with affordable homes nearby and affordable spaces where local restaurants can thrive."
- Mohamed: "Julia’s Mexican Restaurant and the green chicken enchiladas, and Sapa. Truly a gems in our City."
Want to dig even deeper? Follow these links to read more responses from the candidates:
