Democratic National Convention

Utah's congressional debate season began Tuesday with a matchup between Democrat Ben McAdams and Republican Riley Owen for the state's 1st Congressional District. The debate, hosted by Salt Lake Community College and organized by the Utah Debate Commission, was broadcast by ABC4.

McAdams secured the Democratic nomination after June's primary, overcoming convention delegates' earlier backing of Liban Mohamed in a four-candidate field. He previously represented Utah's 4th District from 2019 to 2021 and has also served as Salt Lake County Mayor and a state senator. New district boundaries created a more Democratic-leaning seat in Salt Lake County, prompting a more progressive campaign approach from McAdams this cycle. Owen, 27, won his party's nomination with strong delegate support at the Republican Convention. A former White House policy analyst and Navy Reserve intelligence officer, he has also founded a defense technology startup and a wildlife conservation foundation. The race is one of several closely watched Utah contests this cycle.

The Democratic National Committee has narrowed the field of potential host cities for the 2028 Democratic National Convention to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia, eliminating both Chicago and Atlanta. DNC Chairman Ken Martin said all five bids were strong and pledged the eventual convention would celebrate the party's future presidential nominee, without detailing why Chicago and Atlanta were cut. Officials had visited all five contenders in April and May, weighing logistics and fundraising capacity. Chicago hosted the 2024 convention, while Atlanta extends a four-decade drought without hosting a DNC.

All three finalists have hosted Democratic conventions before: Philadelphia in 2016, Denver in 2008, and Boston in 2004. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston touted the city's transit and hotel capacity, citing 2008's Obama nomination as proof of concept, while Atlanta's elimination leaves Philadelphia as the only finalist in a presidential battleground state. A final decision is expected later this year, with the convention set for August 7-10, 2028. Republicans have already picked Houston for their 2028 convention. The choice comes as Democrats focus on this year's midterms while facing fundraising challenges and internal debate over Martin's leadership.