ELECTIONS

Candidate Conversation: Ben McAdams for 4th District, Congress

Oct 15, 2018, 12:42 PM | Updated: Nov 8, 2022, 11:40 am

Editor’s Note: This is part of a 12-episode series of Candidate Conversations with the Voices of Reason Podcast in which hosts Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee talk with Utah candidates running for federal office. The podcasts offer unique depth into the candidates’ priorities, backgrounds and reasons for running to represent the citizens of Utah. This is an effort to help voters learn more about those running for office and their positions on critical local and national issues.

SALT LAKE CITY — Ben McAdams is someone who likes to find solutions to issues that face his community. As a state senator in the Utah legislature, he worked on matters of concern in his senate district, then broadened the scope when he won the Salt Lake County mayor’s race in 2012.

Now he’s vying to take on even bigger challenges on the national level in Washington D.C. by running for Congress as a Democrat in the state’s 4th District against incumbent Rep. Mia Love, R-UT.

McAdams’ desire to bridge the partisan divide

“I’m running for Congress because I look at the state our country is in and it’s troubling,” he said. “The gridlock, the partisan divide, the unwillingness of lots of people from both parties to reach out and get stuff done I think is a real threat.”

“Now, more than ever, we need good people who will step forward and put their names on the ballot to work to heal that divide,” he added.

Speaking on the Voices of Reason podcast with Amy Donaldson and Jasen Lee, McAdams highlighted that point in describing how Democrats and Republicans are handling the nation’s healthcare crisis.

The high cost of healthcare

“I think of my friend, Dawn. She and her husband have four kids and pay $2,000 a month for health (insurance), which is more than their mortgage. Then she said, ‘Our copays are so high, then when our kids are sick we don’t even go to the doctor,’” he explained.

“Imagine having a house that you can’t even afford to live in. That’s what they’re doing. They’re paying their (insurance premiums) every month and they don’t have healthcare essentially.”

“While the parties fight in Washington, people in Utah are suffering,” he added. “The costs are too high.”

Hear the full Candidate Conversation along with McAdams’ thoughts on other issues here as well as why he believes Utah voters should elect him to represent them in Congress on the Voices of Reason podcast. To hear the other Candidate Conversations, subscribe to the podcast for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Elections

Former President Donald Trump, speaks to reporters as he leaves the courtroom during a lunch break ...

ERIC TUCKER, ALANNA DURKIN RICHER and TERRY SPENCER

Judge rejects Trump’s bid to throw out classified documents case

A federal judge on Thursday rejected a bid by Donald Trump to throw out out his classified documents criminal case.

14 days ago

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally Saturda...

JILL COLVIN Associated Press

Trump wins delegates needed to become GOP’s presumptive nominee for third straight election

With wins in Georgia, Mississippi and Washington state, Trump surpassed the 1,215-delegate threshold needed to become the presumptive Republican nominee.

16 days ago

President Joe Biden speaks in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 27, 2024....

ZEKE MILLER AP White House Correspondent

President Joe Biden has won enough delegates to clinch the 2024 Democratic nomination

President Joe Biden, clinched a second straight Democratic nomination Tuesday and set up an all-but-certain rematch with Donald Trump

16 days ago

Caucus Republican...

Curt Gresseth

Utah GOP chair addresses Super Tuesday caucus meltdown

The Utah GOP chair acknowledged some caucus meetings saw"challenges" on Super Tuesday, but he said overall things went smoothly.

22 days ago

Republicans gather at Olympus High School in Holladay for caucus meetings on Tuesday, March 5, 2024...

Becky Bruce

Utah GOP party members differ on 2024 caucus turnout

The Utah GOP caucus turnout was three times as high in the 2020 presidential primary than yesterday, a Utah GOP caucus leader said.

22 days ago

People check in to caucus at Brighton High School on Tuesday, March 5....

Mariah Maynes

Utah voters share thoughts on Tuesday’s caucus

KSL NewsRadio's Aimee Cobabe spoke with voters at one caucus who shared their reasons for attending and their opinions of the experience. 

22 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Candidate Conversation: Ben McAdams for 4th District, Congress