State Senator Kathleen Riebe officially announced her campaign for the newly redrawn congressional seat in Utah’s 1st District on Wednesday. This makes her the first Democrat to enter what is anticipated to be a competitive race for the party nomination. Riebe made her intentions clear in a statement released via email, following weeks of speculation regarding her potential candidacy.
The announcement comes shortly after a judge approved a new district map that leans Democratic, further motivating Riebe’s decision. According to sources cited by the Deseret News, Riebe had been contemplating a run, especially after the new map’s approval. “I’ve had a lot of jobs in my life, among them: teacher, truck driver, waitress, police dispatcher, barista, and forestry technician with a red card,” Riebe stated. “I know what it’s like to struggle and what working families go through to make ends meet.”
Riebe criticized the current political landscape, asserting that working families are being neglected by Washington. She highlighted concerns over rising costs and healthcare access, referencing the recent Republican spending bill that reopened the government without significant concessions on Obamacare. “We have to change the kind of representatives we send,” she said, indicating a desire for more accountability and a focus on the needs of constituents.
In her statement, Riebe committed to fighting for lower costs and improved healthcare affordability. She emphasized her intention to refuse corporate PAC money, aiming to remain accountable solely to the voters of Utah. “I know how to get things accomplished in a divided government, and I’m ready to make Washington work for working families in Utah,” she added.
Riebe’s entry into the race adds to a growing list of Democratic candidates, with former Representative Ben McAdams expected to announce his candidacy soon. McAdams brings name recognition and a moderate approach that could appeal to both Democrats and independent voters. However, he may face competition from more left-leaning candidates, particularly in a district that Kamala Harris won by over 20 percentage points in the last election.
The evolving political landscape presents a significant opportunity for Democrats. The minority party needs to gain three seats in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections to regain control of the House. National organizations are already recognizing the potential of the newly drawn district, indicating readiness to invest resources to secure a Democratic victory in Utah.
As the race unfolds, Riebe’s candidacy signals a renewed effort among Democrats to reclaim influence in a state where they have faced challenges in recent years. With increasing political engagement and shifting voter demographics, the upcoming election could prove pivotal for both parties in the region.
