SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A judge in Utah has decided against the state Legislature inits redistricting case, deciding that existing congressional boundaries were established by legislators who illegally reversed a citizen ballot measure that set up an independent redistricting commission.
The decision made by Utah Third District Judge Dianna Gibson requires that these maps be discarded, and the citizen-backed Proposition 4, which banned partisan gerrymandering, is now the law that will guide redistricting in Utah.
The much-anticipated judgment represents a significant ruling from the lower courts, stating that the legislative body has 30 days to create the new maps that meet the anti-gerrymandering standards outlined in Proposition 4.
The act of redistricting is a legislative responsibility,” Gibson stated in her decision. “The Legislature and the people share legislative authority equally.
She mentioned that due to this, redistricting is “subject to a state’s ‘usual limitations on lawmaking,’ such as the governor’s veto power, public referendums, and citizen initiatives.”
Gibson also determined that repealing Prop 4 in an unconstitutional manner breached “the public’s essential right to amend redistricting in Utah and to stop bipartisan gerrymandering.”
This decision represents the most recent development in an intricate story that started in 2018, when citizens approved a ballot measure organized by Better Boundaries. This measure, commonly referred to as Prop 4, established an independent redistricting commission responsible for creating new boundary lines for Utah’s congressional districts.
In 2020, the Utah Legislature weakened Prop 4, removing key elements from the commission.initiated by the effort in S.B. 200and substituting those maps with its own inH.B. 2004.
In their legal case, the plaintiffs including the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and others claim that the boundaries divide Salt Lake City into four districts, weakening the voting power of minority groups in a state that has historically favored Republicans. The plaintiffs further state that Utah residents have a constitutionally guaranteed right to “alter and reform” their government, which they tried to accomplish through Prop 4 before it was modified by the legislature.
The Utah Supreme Court affirmed that right ina major rulingLast year, the case was sent back to Utah’s lower court. Utah’s leading officials dismissed the ruling, describing it as “the worst decision they have ever seen.” Earlier this year, both sides presented their arguments regarding the case before Judge Gibson.
The proposal outlines a schedule for managing the redistricting process from this point until November 1, 2025. Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson has requested the court to conclude the case by November, allowing for the creation of new district boundaries before the 2026 midterm elections if necessary.
This schedule indicates that the Legislature has 30 days, ending on September 25, to create a corrective congressional map that meets the requirements of Prop 4. The plaintiffs and other third parties will also have the opportunity to submit maps if the legislature fails to present a map or if they believe the corrective map does not adhere to Prop 4.
From that point, plaintiffs will have until October 3rd to submit objections to the proposed map.
It is expected that this decision will be taken to the Utah Supreme Court for review.
The court has scheduled a Status Conference for Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10 a.m., during which the plaintiffs and defendants must address the proposed timeline and seek any necessary changes.
At a press briefing after the decision was announced, Elizabeth Rasmussen, Executive Director of Better Boundaries, praised the ruling, referring to it as a significant victory for “the future of grassroots reform in this state.”
“We are excited that the court has confirmed what we have always believed, that the people hold equal lawmaking power with the Legislature, that the Legislature breached the Utah constitution when they reversed Proposition 4, and that Utah residents deserve fair, independent maps that they supported nearly seven years ago,” she stated.
David Reymann, the Plaintiffs’ Attorney, described the decision as a significant turning point in Utah. “From the beginning, we have argued that the Legislature in this state is not the ultimate authority, that their power comes from the people, and they are meant to carry out the people’s wishes. Today, the district court affirmed the voices of Utah voters,” he stated.
Lawmakers in Utah react to the ruling Utah legislators address the decision Officials from Utah comment on the verdict Utah’s political representatives respond to the judgment Legislators in Utah speak out regarding the decision
After the ruling, Utah House Republicans and Utah Senate Republicans issued a shared statement via Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, indicating their dissatisfaction but reaffirming their dedication to Utah residents.
Although we are disappointed with the court’s ruling, we continue to be dedicated to safeguarding the voices of Utah residents and maintaining the Legislature’s state and federal constitutional power to establish congressional districts. We will thoroughly examine the decision and evaluate our subsequent actions.
President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz
State Senator Nate Blouin (D-13) also commented on the decision, referring to it as a “significant victory” for Utah citizens and noting that “democracy functions most effectively when the people—not politicians—determine how their opinions are expressed.”
Gerrymandering isn’t an issue exclusive to Republicans or Democrats—it’s a threat to our democratic system. Both political parties have backed district boundaries designed to safeguard their own positions rather than the interests of the people. This is why an independent commission is essential: to remove the authority from politicians who have a strong motive to prioritize their own benefits.
Sen. Nate Blouin (D-13)
Utah’s Democratic lawmakers also praised the ruling, repeating comments that this is a “win for Utah residents.”
This choice is a strong confirmation that citizens from every background should have a say in the democratic system. Our group continues to be firm in its dedication to creating fair, open, and reflective district lines that showcase the real variety of our state—rather than maps created to favor political parties. We are prepared to assist and take full part in the redrawing of districts to make sure every Utah resident is represented in Congress.
Utah House Democrats
Members of the Utah Senate Democratic party also referred to this choice as a “significant triumph” in a press release.
This judgment marks a significant triumph for residents of Utah and for our democratic principles. This choice brings optimism during a nationwide surge of intense political gerrymandering. We are pleased to witness Utah’s court system establishing a benchmark for the country. As we continue, we urge our counterparts from the opposing party to support this decision and collaborate in developing equitable congressional boundaries that represent the desires of the populace.
Utah Senate Democrats
The Utah Democratic Party issued a statement urging the Legislature to “honor the court’s decision and the desires of the citizens, and to collaborate openly with impartial specialists to develop districts that accurately represent the state’s population.”
Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King stated, “The district court’s decision today is a significant win for voters and a serious setback for radical, disconnected politicians. Ultimately, despite the attempts by the legislative supermajority, Utah residents will receive equitable maps and genuine representation, which they supported almost eight years ago. The Utah Democrats are prepared to start working immediately next year and are eager to ensure Republicans are held responsible to their voters in these newly created, fair districts.”
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