FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Salt Lake City, UT — Today, as part of an ongoing lawsuit that seeks to throw out Utah’s fairly drawn congressional maps, Ben McAdams filed a motion in federal court to submit an amicus brief. McAdams’ brief opposes efforts to alter Utah’s congressional district boundaries in the middle of an active election cycle.
McAdams is not a party to the lawsuit. Instead, he is providing the court with on-the-ground facts about the real-world disruption and voter confusion that would result if politicians succeed in changing district lines after the 2026 election process is already underway.
“This is about protecting voters, not protecting politicians,” McAdams said. “When people in power try to change the rules in the middle of the game to protect themselves, someone has to stand up and say no.”
Since the current district map was approved for the 2026 election, thousands of voters have donated, volunteered, gathered signatures, attended events, and engaged in the democratic process in reliance on those boundaries. McAdams’ filing provides factual evidence to the court that altering those lines now would create disruption, instability and confusion for voters across Utah’s First Congressional District.
McAdams said his decision to step forward reflects a broader commitment to standing up for fairness even when it carries political risk.
“I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right,” McAdams said. “I voted to impeach Donald Trump when he violated his constitutional duties and the law, knowing full well it could cost me my election. I did it because it was the right thing to do. And I’m standing up today for fair boundaries and fair elections for the same reason.”
McAdams emphasized that elections work best when rules are set before campaigns begin, not rewritten midstream.
“Utahns believe in fair play,” he said. “You don’t rig the system to protect your own power. You don’t move the lines, especially after voters have already engaged in the current election. Fair elections mean stable rules, transparency, and respect for voters.”
The filing asks the court to consider the impact on voters, volunteers, and community members who have already participated in the 2026 election under the current boundaries.
“This isn’t about me,” McAdams added. “It’s about making sure politicians don’t bully the system to hold onto power. I’ll always stand up for voters, for fairness, and for the integrity of our democracy.”
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