Utah Judge Mandates Congressional Map Redraw within 30 Days, Citing Unconstitutional Repeal of Voter-Approved Initiative

Salt Lake City – A Utah District Judge has ordered the state's Republican-controlled Legislature to redraw its congressional maps within 30 days, ruling that lawmakers "unconstitutionally repealed" a 2018 voter-approved ballot measure aimed at banning partisan gerrymandering. The decision by Judge Dianna Gibson, issued on Monday, mandates that new maps be in place for the 2026 midterm elections, significantly impacting Utah's political landscape.

The ruling stems from a long-running legal battle over Proposition 4, a 2018 voter initiative that established an independent redistricting commission. Despite its passage, the Legislature replaced Proposition 4 in 2020 with a law that made the commission advisory, effectively allowing lawmakers to disregard its recommendations when drawing the 2021 congressional map. Judge Gibson stated that "the nature of the violation lies in the Legislature’s refusal to respect the people’s exercise of their constitutional lawmaking power."

The current map, adopted in 2021, divides Salt Lake County—a Democratic stronghold accounting for over one-third of Utah's population and backing Vice President Kamala Harris by 10 points—among all four of the state's Republican-held congressional districts. This fragmentation has been a central point of contention for voting rights advocates, who argued it diluted the county's electoral influence.

This development in Utah is part of a broader national trend of escalating redistricting battles ahead of the 2026 elections. As noted in the original tweet, "This comes as redistricting wars escalate nationally." In Texas, Republicans, reportedly urged by former President Donald Trump, have pursued a mid-decade effort to redraw lines, aiming to secure up to five additional GOP seats. California Democrats have responded by passing their own plan to create up to five new Democratic-leaning seats.

Reactions to Judge Gibson's ruling have been divided. Republican legislative leaders expressed disappointment and are considering their next steps, with Utah GOP Chairman Robert Axson dismissing the decision as "judicial activism." Conversely, voting rights groups and Democrats celebrated the ruling as a "watershed moment" and a victory for voters, emphasizing the importance of fair representation. Appeals from Republican officials are anticipated, which could potentially delay the implementation of new maps until 2028.