Brian King
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Utah
UT-01 Democratic nominee?
$61.9K
JUN 30, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — UT-01 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
3.6%chance to win
$61.9KJUN 30, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age67 years old (Aug 19, 1959)
GenderMale
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LocationUtah
BackgroundAttorney
EducationUniversity of Utah — B.S. (economics)
Notable personal detailsBrian Smith King is an American attorney and Democratic politician in Utah. He served in the Utah House of Representatives (District 28 from 2009–2022; District 23 after redistricting) and was House Minority Leader for multiple terms. In 2024, he was the Democratic nominee for Utah governor. He has served as chair of the Utah Democratic Party since 2025.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports a progressive tax approach and targeted taxes to fund public services; opposes measures that would remove or divert income-tax revenue from education. Advocates investments in infrastructure, affordable housing measures (including taxing vacant properties and out-of-state investors), and other public supports.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to health coverage through full Medicaid expansion and opposed proposals that included work requirements or narrow partial expansions; has advocated for implementing the voter-approved Medicaid expansion in Utah. Focuses on broader access via government programs rather than privatization or repeal of the ACA.
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Immigration & Border
Brian King has criticized harsh immigration enforcement practices and spoken about immigrants being detained without due process and deported, indicating support for protections for immigrants. His public comments frame immigration as a humanitarian issue while advocating for more humane treatment and access to services rather than enforcement-first policies.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports legal access to abortion with some limits; has said he would back a legal right to abortion up to fetal viability or a similarly defined line and voted against Utah restrictions that would eliminate clinic access. He has also said he is personally opposed to elective abortion but opposes strict statewide bans.
Climate & Energy
Supports stronger air quality protections and common-sense environmental stewardship, prioritizing cleaner air and state action to address pollution. Advocates for implementing EPA rules that reduce particle pollution and for policies to improve Utah’s air quality while backing science-based approaches to environmental protection.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports expanded background checks and other gun-safety measures while continuing to recognize lawful gun ownership; he has sponsored multiple bills to require universal or expanded background checks and to collect data on how prohibited persons obtain guns. He has opposed removing permit requirements for concealed carry and has promoted targeted measures to keep guns from prohibited individuals and to study gun deaths and suicides in Utah.
Latest News
Brian King is in the news because Utah’s newly drawn 1st Congressional District is holding primary elections that could shape the 2026 House race. Reports say the district has become more favorable to Democrats, and there has been unusual cross-party interest in Democratic primary ballots, which could affect the outcome. He is also being mentioned in coverage of Democratic primary attacks over stock trading and anti-corruption messaging in Utah.
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New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising