Democrat Jim Matheson Wins Utah's 4th Congressional District

image
Published: 07 Nov, 2012
1 min read
Photo: Tom Smart

Utah's only incumbent Democrat, Jim Matheson, won the state's 4th Congressional District against Republican opponent, Mia Love, by just over one percent, The Desert News reported. The results were extremely close and it took all night to receive the results.

Matheson declared his candidacy for the newly created 4th District after redistricting split the 2nd District, which he has represented for twelve years. Utah’s 4th District, like the 2nd, is largely Republican, but Matheson has been able to gain enough independent votes to remain in Congress by casting himself as a moderate who is not afraid to vote against his party.

Utah is about as red as it gets, but active independent voters rival Republicans nearly 1:1. With roughly half the electorate registered as unaffiliated, Matheson’s win was hinged on convincing constituents that his moderate views will best represent their interests in Washington, DC.

On the campaign trail, Matheson toted his conservative Democratic values. Under the banner, “Jim Matheson puts Utah first,” he wooed moderate Republicans and independent constituents with his dedication to fight for federal fiscal responsibility and for business-friendly policies to help the private sector grow.

Matheson is a sixth-generation Utahn and promised voters to work for what’s right and follow his parents’ rule, “Honesty is the only policy in public service.”

You Might Also Like

Caution tape with US Capitol building in the background.
Did the Republicans or Democrats Start the Gerrymandering Fight?
The 2026 midterm election cycle is quickly approaching. However, there is a lingering question mark over what congressional maps will look like when voters start to cast their ballots, especially as Republicans and Democrats fight to obtain any electoral advantage possible. ...
11 Nov, 2025
-
8 min read
Utah state capitol.
Utah Judge Delivers a Major Blow to Gerrymandering
A Utah state judge has struck down the congressional map drawn by Republican lawmakers, ruling that it violates the state’s voter-approved ban on partisan gerrymandering and ordering new district lines for the 2026 elections....
11 Nov, 2025
-
2 min read
bucking party on gerrymandering
5 Politicians Bucking Their Party on Gerrymandering
Across the country, both parties are weighing whether to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia are all in various stages of the action. Here are five politicians who have declined to support redistricting efforts promoted by their own parties....
31 Oct, 2025
-
4 min read