Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson’s ruling on Monday called for Utah to redraw its congressional maps, prompting praise from the Democratic Party.
Gibson ruled on a lawsuit between Utah and the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and Better Boundaries regarding the state legislature’s maps that were drawn and approved in 2021. The maps will either remain tied up in court or need to be redrawn before the 2026 elections.
All four of Utah’s congressional seats are currently held by Republicans. The last time a Democratic candidate won a seat in Utah was in 2018, when former Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams served a single term. McAdams lost his reelection bid to Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT).
The possibility that a new congressional map could make a seat more competitive for Democratic candidates prompted celebrations among Democratic leaders following Gibson’s ruling. Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson celebrated Gibson essentially reinstating the 2018 voter-approved proposition that created an independent redistricting commission, which was later repealed by the legislature in 2020.
“Utahns expect politicians to play fair and play by the rules. Rigging the game so you never lose isn’t fair—and now, after years of legal challenges, it is clear to everyone that it is also decidedly against the rules,” Wilson said. “This decision is a strong signal that the people’s voice cannot be brushed aside. Utahns spoke loudly when they passed Proposition 4, and the court recognized the weight of that decision today.”
“This is a great day for the good people of Utah,” Democratic state Sen. Nate Blouin said.
“Today’s district court ruling is a major victory for voters, and a major blow to extreme, out-of-touch politicians,” Democratic Party Chairman Brian King said. “Utah Democrats are ready to hit the ground running next year, and we look forward to holding Republicans accountable to their constituents in these new, fairly-drawn districts.”
“This is a mandate for change. Utah is one of the youngest, fastest-growing, and most politically dynamic states in the country. This decision is the reset button voters have been demanding,” King added.
Even the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee celebrated, saying, “Today’s ruling is a victory for democracy: voters in Utah will now have an opportunity to elect leaders that best represent their values, and not have their representation dictated by politicians.”
Meanwhile, Utah Republican Party Chairman Rob Axson implied the ruling came from “judicial activism.”
“Once again, certain members of Utah’s judiciary abandon the principles of our Constitutional Republic. Using earlier flawed rulings to justify their opinions over the principles of our founding is a special kind of hubris,” Axson said.
UTAH CONGRESSIONAL MAP MUST BE REDRAWN FOR 2026 ELECTIONS, JUDGE RULES
Utah’s congressional delegation has largely remained silent on the ruling. The lack of comment is especially notable from Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT), who previously criticized a redistricting effort in Texas. Moore also served as cochairman of Better Boundaries, the bipartisan coalition behind the 2018 proposition to establish an independent redistricting commission. The group included Republicans, Democrats, and independents.
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Moore for comment.