Utah Judge Rejects Legislative Map, Mandates Democratic-Leaning District, Sparking Impeachment Threats

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah district court judge has ordered a new congressional map for the state, which includes the creation of a strongly Democratic district centered around Salt Lake County, a decision that has intensified the ongoing legal battle over redistricting. Third District Judge Dianna Gibson rejected a map proposed by the Utah Legislature on November 11, 2025, instead approving a map drawn by plaintiffs in a long-running anti-gerrymandering lawsuit. This ruling follows a 2018 voter initiative, Proposition 4, aimed at establishing an independent redistricting commission, which passed with 50.34% of the vote. The decision has drawn significant criticism from Republican legislative leaders, with some reportedly demanding Judge Gibson's impeachment.

The controversy stems from Proposition 4, approved by Utah voters in 2018, which sought to create an independent commission to recommend congressional and state legislative district maps to prevent partisan gerrymandering. In 2020, the Utah Legislature passed Senate Bill 200 (SB200), significantly altering Proposition 4 by converting the independent commission into an advisory body whose recommendations could be disregarded. This legislative action led to a lawsuit filed by groups including the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government.

The legal challenge reached the Utah Supreme Court, which on July 11, 2024, ruled that the legislature had overstepped its constitutional authority in passing SB200. The high court remanded the case back to Judge Gibson's court to determine if the legislature's alterations were "narrowly tailored to advance a compelling government interest." On August 25, 2025, Judge Gibson found SB200 unconstitutional, restoring Proposition 4 and ordering the legislature to draw new maps by September 24, 2025.

Following the August ruling, the Utah Supreme Court denied the legislature's petition to block Judge Gibson's order on September 16, 2025, clearing the way for new maps. The legislature then submitted its own proposed map, which Judge Gibson ultimately rejected on November 11, 2025, in favor of a map presented by the plaintiffs. This approved map is expected to create a competitive, potentially Democratic-leaning congressional district within the Salt Lake County vicinity.

The ruling has ignited strong reactions, with some Republican leaders expressing outrage and calling for Judge Gibson's impeachment. As John D. Johnson stated in a recent tweet, the situation has led to claims that the Utah Supreme Court "killed self-government" and "rewrote Utah’s Constitution," arguing it "froze 50.3% of 2018 voters’ will against every future election." Conversely, plaintiffs and Democratic groups have hailed the decision as a victory for voters and fair representation, emphasizing that the court has vindicated the people's right to reform their government.