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Ben McAdams, Riley Owen focus on high prices, AI policy in first policy clash

McAdams criticized Trump’s economic policies and outlined his positions on AI, Social Security, energy and Medicaid.

Ben McAdams, Riley Owen focus on high prices, AI policy in first policy clash
Image · The Salt Lake Tribune

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Outlet credibilityThe Salt Lake TribuneNOT RATED
This article1 analysis · Oct 5, 2026
tl;dr

In their first debate for Utah’s 1st Congressional District, Ben McAdams and Riley Owen offered competing approaches to high prices, housing and artificial intelligence. Their exchanges also covered Social Security, energy and Medicaid.

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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 for Utah’s 1st Congressional District

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Riley Owen
R · UT

Republican candidate for Utah’s 1st Congressional District

Owen's version of this story ↗
Jesse West
L · UT

Libertarian candidate in Utah’s 1st Congressional District

Kent Udell
D · UT

Democratic candidate in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President of the United States, discussed in the candidates’ remarks

Former president whose proposal McAdams supported

Celeste Maloy
R · UT-2

Republican representative in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District

ALSO MENTIONED  Bill Clinton, Former president referenced in Owen’s remarks about Medicaid work requirements; Bobby Darvish, Write-in candidate in Utah’s 1st Congressional District; Elias Montgomery, Unaffiliated candidate in Utah’s 1st Congressional District

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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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