By McKenzie Romero | Editor
Primary Election Day in Utah saw a moderate Democrat beat out his progressive opponents in what is likely a fast-track to Congress, while two congressional Republicans easily fended off party challengers.
The big upset of the night came in the Utah Legislature, where the long-serving Senate president, who has been under a hot spotlight for supporting a massive data center proposal, lost his first primary challenge in 16 years.
In today’s Dispatch we catch you up on some of the biggest races in Utah’s primary elections, including a big night for Democrat Ben McAdams, the end of the road for Senate President Stuart Adams, and a clear victory in a deep red rural district for incumbent Rep. Celeste Maloy.
“Families in this district, they are working harder than ever, and they are falling behind on the rent. The Great Salt Lake is disappearing. Our democracy is under attack. People are counting on us to stand up against corruption to stand up against the assault on our democracy.” — Congressional candidate Ben McAdams in his victory speech calling for continued efforts from Utah Democrats.
Congressional candidate Ben McAdams speaks with reporters at his campaign’s primary election watch party in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (Photo by Marco Lozzi for Utah News Dispatch)
By Alixel Cabrera
Ben McAdams, the last Utah Democrat to serve in Congress, was leading his three opponents in the Democratic primary race for the state’s new blue 1st Congressional District with 56% of the vote, according to preliminary election night results.
Throughout the campaign, the dominating question has been whether any of the progressive candidates could beat the moderate McAdams. In his victory speech, McAdams thanked his challengers, saying the energy they brought into the race is what the party needs in the November election.
Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, listens during a special legislative session at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
By Katie McKellar
Senate President Stuart Adams, one of the most powerful leaders of the GOP-controlled Utah Legislature, conceded to one of his Republican challengers, Stephanie Hollist, after early election night results showed him trailing her by more than 8 percentage points.
Hollist’s win is a stunning upset for Adams, who is now on his way to losing his top position in the Legislature, along with the District 7 seat he’s held for 16 years representing Davis and Morgan counties. Hollist said the early results showed how many people “really do want change,” and that’s what won her this race.
Rep. Celeste Maloy answers questions during the 3rd Congressional District GOP primary debate against Phil Lyman in Salt Lake City on Monday, June 1, 2026. (Pool photo by Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune)
By Annie Knox
Incumbent Rep. Celeste Maloy pulled ahead Tuesday evening with nearly 67% of the vote in the race to lead the Republican ticket in Utah’s deep red 3rd Congressional District, according to initial results, while challenger Phil Lyman trailed with 33% of the vote.
The newly drawn, vast district stretches from northern Utah’s Morgan and Summit counties down to the entirety of the Arizona border. As they made their case to voters in the district, Maloy pitched herself as a problem-solver, while Lyman cast himself as an anti-establishment candidate.
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