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McAdams offers a check on Trump. Owen offers a new kind of Republican. Utah voters will decide

McAdams argued for federal action on artificial intelligence and the Great Salt Lake while criticizing Trump’s policies.

McAdams offers a check on Trump. Owen offers a new kind of Republican. Utah voters will decide
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This article1 analysis · Oct 1, 2026
Sep 30, 2026
tl;dr

Utah’s 1st District candidates Ben McAdams and Riley Owen debated artificial intelligence, data centers, the Great Salt Lake and the future of the Republican Party. They shared some positions but offered contrasting approaches on issues including trade, immigration and Social Security.

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Ben McAdams Former U.S. Representative (D-UT)
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Ben McAdams
Former U.S. Representative (D-UT)

Democratic candidate in Utah’s 1st Congressional District

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Riley Owen
R · UT

Republican candidate in Utah’s 1st Congressional District

Owen's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose policies and party leadership are discussed

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president cited by Owen as an example on deportation policy; Spencer Cox, Utah governor referenced as a comparison for Owen’s political style

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7 OUTLETS
Ben McAdams and Riley Owen Debate Utah’s 1st District Race

Ben McAdams and Riley Owen debated for Utah’s 1st Congressional District, discussing policy positions and claims. Their coverage describes areas of agreement as well as differences on issues including trade, redistricting and Social Security. Center outlets examine policy differences and claim accuracy; Deseret News focuses on McAdams’s opposition to Trump and Owen’s distinct Republican identity. Unrated articles mostly describe both candidates’ positions and points of agreement and dispute.

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