McAdams and Owen Held First Congressional Debate
The Utah congressional candidates met at Salt Lake Community College to outline their platforms for voters.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Democratic nominee Ben McAdams and Republican candidate Riley Owen participated in their first debate for Utah's first congressional district. The event, hosted by the Utah Debate Commission, was held at Salt Lake Community College.
Why it matters
The debate provided voters with a direct comparison between McAdams, a former representative and county mayor, and Owen, a 27-year-old defense entrepreneur and intelligence officer. It serves as a central platform for residents to evaluate the candidates' distinct backgrounds before the upcoming election.
Republican nominee Riley Owen secured the nomination with 71.2% delegate support in a primary race featuring 4 candidates. The 27-year-old candidate previously served as a policy analyst at the White House.
The players
Ben McAdams
He is the Democratic nominee who previously served as a U.S. Representative, Salt Lake County mayor, and Utah state senator.
Riley Owen
He is the 27-year-old Republican nominee, a U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer, and a former White House policy analyst.
Utah Debate Commission
This is the non-partisan organization responsible for coordinating and hosting political debates for state and federal candidates.
The details
Ben McAdams brings legislative experience as a former Utah state senator, Salt Lake County mayor, and representative for the 4th congressional district from 2019 to 2021. Riley Owen counters with a background as a U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer and a founder of both a defense technology startup and a wildlife foundation.
Timeline
Riley Owen qualified for the Republican nomination in April 2026.
Ben McAdams qualified for the Democratic nomination in June 2026.
The candidates participated in the congressional debate on September 29, 2026.
Political Context
The opposition may raise concerns regarding McAdams' past voting record during his tenure in the 4th congressional district. Conversely, supporters of McAdams often criticize Owen's relative lack of legislative experience compared to the former representative's career in state and local government.
Voters in the district must evaluate how the candidates' differing professional histories will influence future representation on local and federal legislative issues. The debate results provide residents with the essential information needed to finalize their decisions before casting ballots.
The takeaway
Voters should prioritize reviewing the candidates' specific policy positions regarding the challenges facing Salt Lake County. Evaluating the contrast between McAdams' extensive political resume and Owen's private-sector background is crucial for making an informed choice.
Further reading
Learn more about the electoral process in the state on the Utah Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 4.
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