Court Orders Redrafting of Utah’s Congressional Lines Ahead of 2026 Elections | Beehive State

The Utah legislature is required to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries after a judge ruled on Monday that the Republican-controlled body violated voters’ rights by drawing the boundaries.
The current map, created in 2021, splits Salt Lake county, a Democratic stronghold, into four congressional districts, all of which have elected Republicans by large margins. District court judge Dianna Gibson deemed the map unlawful because the legislature bypassed a commission established by voters to ensure districts are drawn without favoring any party.
New maps will need to be created quickly for the 2026 midterm elections. Lt Gov Deidre Henderson, the state’s top elections official, has requested the courts to finalize the case by November, allowing time for the process before candidates start filing in early January. However, Republican lawmakers have promised to appeal, which could delay the adoption of new maps until 2028.

The ruling introduces uncertainty in a state that was expected to be a clean sweep for the GOP as the party prepares to defend its narrow majority in the US House. Nationally, Democrats need to win three more seats next year to gain control of the chamber. The sitting president’s party typically loses seats in midterm elections, as happened to Donald Trump in 2018.
The US president has urged Republican-led states to add seats for the GOP’s candidates to win. In Texas, an approved plan includes five new districts that would favor Republicans. Ohio Republicans are set to revise their maps in a more partisan manner, and Indiana, Florida, and Missouri may also make changes. Some Democrat-led states are discussing taking action to offset Republican gains, but so far, only California has taken action in response to Texas.