A New Face for the GOP
Riley Owen is the Republican Party's nominee for Utah's 1st Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. His campaign marks him as a notable member of Generation Z stepping onto the national political stage. Owen secured the nomination after winning the Republican convention on April 25, 2026. Though raised in Southern California, he emphasizes his family's deep, six-generation roots in Utah, a state he now calls home. His political platform is built on what he describes as delivering "results, not rhetoric," aiming to address issues he considers critical for all Utahns.
An Ambitious Path: Princeton to the White House
Owen's career began long before his congressional run. He studied International Affairs at Princeton University, where he was president of the men's rugby team.
He paused his studies to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denmark, a land connected to his ancestry. After returning, he took a position as a policy analyst at the White House. In this role, he worked on manufacturing and trade policy for sectors like shipbuilding and critical minerals. His tenure included the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he assisted with federal response efforts, including the use of the Defense Production Act to ramp up supplies of PPE and ventilators.
Military Service and Private Sector Ventures
After his time in government, Owen's focus shifted. He was awarded an Eisenhower Scholarship to pursue a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford. During this period, he also commissioned as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy Reserve, a service he continues today. Owen transitioned to the private sector, working with Fincantieri Marine Group to bolster American shipbuilding capabilities. He also entered the world of startups, building a defense technology company that plays a role in supporting Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion. His entrepreneurial work also extends to conservation through a foundation called Sentala, which uses AI and drone technology to aid wildlife protection efforts.
Career Record and Political Platform
As a candidate, Owen's career record is his primary calling card, blending public service with private industry experience. His campaign messages focus on several key domestic issues. He has committed to addressing affordable housing by linking federal funding to local zoning reforms and advocates for tax credits to businesses that offer paid maternity leave. Another central plank of his platform is online safety, proposing legislation to require age verification for social media use for those under 16. Reflecting a desire for political reform, Owen also supports a constitutional amendment to establish term limits for Congress and overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.
