Utah’s redistricting fight reached a turning point on Monday, when Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson ruled that lawmakers unconstitutionally repealed the voter‑approved Proposition 4 and ordered the Legislature to enact a remedial congressional map for the 2026 cycle. Proposition 4 passed narrowly by voters in 2018 and was branded “Better Boundaries.” Prop 4 created a seven-member independent redistricting commission and required maps to meet neutral criteria, including equal population, compactness/contiguity, maintaining cities and counties together, respecting communities of interest, and forbidding the drawing of districts to favor or disfavor a party or incumbent unduly. The Legislature could enact or reject the commission’s proposals, but had to consider them and explain any rejection. In 2020, lawmakers replaced Prop 4 with SB200, converting the commission to an advisory body. The order enjoins the 2021 plan and revives Prop 4’s anti‑gerrymandering standards. A compliant map must be delivered by 5 p.m. Sept. 24 (or within 24 hours of enactment). If legislators miss the mark, or if their map fails to comply, plaintiffs and other parties may submit alternatives, with proceedings running through Nov. 1.
Republican leaders signaled they may appeal to the Utah Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. Gov. Spencer Cox also criticized the posture that led to the ruling. The practical stakes are real: before the 2021 maps, one of Utah’s four U.S. House seats was competitive; today, Republicans dominate all four. A remedial map drawn under Proposition 4 could reintroduce competition ahead of the 2026 midterms, placing Utah squarely in the national mid‑decade redraws that could shift House margins. Read more in the Utah News Dispatch.
Find us on:
