In the latest episode of the "Special Session" podcast, we break down new federal filings showing that candidates and outside groups blew through $6.1 million on the Democratic primary in Utah's brand-new 1st Congressional District.
Former congressman Ben McAdams won the primary election with almost 52% of the vote. He raised and spent more money than his seven other Democratic rivals combined, and he was the only candidate who got help from outside groups.
Also on the show:
- A new dark money PAC dropped $300,000 attacking Rep. Celeste Maloy in the 3rd Congressional District Republican primary. That group had just one donor, which appears to be connected to the family of Phil Lyman, her primary opponent. It's the same outfit that pumped $550,000 into Lyman's failed 2024 run for governor.
- We dig through the Davis County Republican Party's finance mess and discuss why Utah's penalties for breaking campaign finance law do nothing to deter anyone from doing it again.
- An update on the First Amendment lawsuit against the Utah Legislature over press credentials, including a very odd line in the legislature's latest court filing.
- The New York Times' 2028 presidential contender list once again mentions Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.
- Sen. Mike Lee's bizarre new argument in favor of the SAVE America Act.
- Early jockeying for position ahead of the 2027 Salt Lake City mayor's race.
Listen and subscribe to the podcast at this link.
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