In a late-night decision, Third District Judge Dianna Gibson tossed out the new congressional boundaries proposed by Republican lawmakers and adopted a different map. Here’s what you need to know.
⚖️ Why the Change Happened
This all started when lawmakers repealed Proposition 4, the Better Boundaries initiative that voters passed in 2018 to make redistricting fairer and less partisan. Last year, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that citizens have a right to change their government, and by undoing Prop 4 the Legislature violated that right, sending the case back down to Gibson for consideration.
In August, Gibson decided Prop 4 is law and ordered legislators to redraw the map. While the Legislature submitted a new proposal, Gibson found it still violated Prop 4 and instead approved one of the plaintiffs’ maps, known as Map 1.
Map 1, approved by Judge Dianna Gibson. (Campaign Legal Center)
🧩 What’s in the New Map?
- Salt Lake County is mostly intact, split into two districts instead of four.
- Utah County is divided east-west rather than north-south.
- Three other districts favor Republican candidates.
➡️ What Happens Next
House Speaker Mike Schultz said while it may be too late to appeal the court-approved map, lawmakers still plan to challenge who holds the power to draw Utah’s political boundaries. And one lawmaker has started the process to impeach Gibson. Meanwhile, the Utah GOP is gathering signatures for a 2026 ballot initiative to repeal Prop 4 entirely.
🔑 Why It Matters
If this map holds, Utah voters could see a safe seat for Democrats in the U.S. House, starting in 2027. And, more competitive districts overall.
