UPDATE: A pivotal ruling by Judge Dianna Gibson has just upended Utah’s congressional redistricting process, rejecting Map C, which was deemed a violation of the state’s anti-gerrymandering law, Proposition 4. Instead, Judge Gibson has mandated the implementation of Map 1, igniting a fierce backlash from state leaders.
On November 10, 2023, Judge Gibson ruled that Map C was an “extreme partisan outlier,” compelling lawmakers to redraw congressional lines to ensure fair representation for all Utahns. The plaintiffs—comprising the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and a Millcreek couple—successfully challenged the legislature’s recent decision.
Reactions are pouring in from both sides of the aisle. Republican leaders are denouncing the ruling as a blatant example of judicial overreach. Representative Candice Pierucci (R-49) stated, “One unelected judge decided that her personal opinion outweighs Utah’s Constitution and the will of the people — and that’s unacceptable.” In a dramatic escalation, Representative Matt MacPherson (R-26) has announced plans to file articles of impeachment against Judge Gibson, claiming her ruling is a “gross abuse of power.”
Senator Daniel McCay (R-18) has taken to social media, criticizing the judge’s handling of the case and sharing memes that mock the plaintiffs. “The Judge drove the entire process, set aggressive deadlines, and refused an extension for map drawing by the legislature,” Pierucci added.
In stark contrast, Democratic leaders are celebrating the decision as a monumental win for democracy. “We feel a deep sense of hope and relief following Judge Gibson’s decision to adopt the plaintiff’s Map 1. This is a win for every Utahn,” stated the Utah House and Senate Democrats. Furthermore, Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, remarked, “This ruling is a victory for every Utahn who believes voters — not politicians — should decide who their representatives are.”
Despite the ruling, the fight is far from over. The Utah Republican Party is actively pursuing a ballot initiative to repeal Proposition 4, aiming to gather enough signatures by February 15, 2026, to place the measure on the November ballot. If successful, this could lead to the repeal of the newly approved Map 1.
Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson confirmed early Tuesday morning, “I will comply with Judge Gibson’s order and immediately begin the process of implementing Plaintiff’s Map 1 unless otherwise ordered by an appeals court.” The swift implementation underscores the urgency of the situation.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on the unfolding political landscape in Utah. Stay tuned for further developments as this story progresses.
