State Sen. Kathleen Riebe will advise McAdams campaign after dropping bid

SALT LAKE CITY — State Sen. Kathleen Riebe will join forces with former Rep. Ben McAdams in his bid to win the Democratic primary for Utah's new 1st Congressional District, taking on a role as an adviser for the former congressman's campaign.

Riebe announced over the weekend she would suspend her own campaign for the congressional seat, instead endorsing McAdams in the crowded primary. The surprise announcement comes after Riebe effectively began the Democratic race when she was the first to announce a bid for the new blue seat in November.

"When Sen. Riebe spoke during this race, I always listened and learned from her perspective," McAdams told the Deseret News. "I'm excited we are on the same team as we move forward together to unify our party and win this election."

McAdams told the Deseret News he asked Riebe to join his team in an advisory role, noting he is "excited to continue listening to her advice and ideas."

Riebe confirmed the news to the Deseret News and said she was "glad to support Ben in meeting the needs of this new district."

Her exit from the race has narrowed the field slightly. McAdams currently sits as the front-runner and faces a challenge from progressive state Sen. Nate Blouin.

Blouin acknowledged a "difference of opinion in this race," but told the Deseret News he still considered Riebe to be "a friend and someone I've been proud to fight alongside in the Senate." He added that Riebe's centrist views make it unsurprising she endorsed his top competitor in the race.

"I'm not surprised a more moderate politician, as Sen. Riebe has described herself, would choose to support another moderate after ending her candidacy. In such a progressive district, it's obvious there's room for only one moderate candidate," Blouin said.

He added he believes Riebe's supporters will choose to support him over McAdams because of his stance on issues like abortion, organized labor and the minimum wage.

Despite the crowded primary, McAdams so far has led the pack, likely benefitting from his name recognition and established record.

McAdams led the first quarter of 2026 with a haul of around $580,000, with current cash on hand of around $815,000, according to his campaign. Meanwhile, state Sen. Nate Blouin consolidated support as the top match for McAdams, bringing in more than $300,000 during the first quarter.

While McAdams has garnered strong support from top state leaders and legislators, Blouin has attracted the attention of progressives currently serving in Congress.

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