Redistricting

Four Republicans are vying to win what is considered by many to be a blue seat. One political scientist says their only chance at winning is to run an issues-heavy campaign as close to the political center as possible.

The fatal blow came from Senate District 15, currently held by Democratic Sen. Kathleen Riebe. The Republican-backed repeal group had no margin for error, as it only met the minimum district threshold of 26 out of 29.

Utah Democratic congressional hopefuls met at the downtown branch of the Salt Lake City Library to discuss issues like taxing the rich, the war in Gaza, Israel’s influence on the U.S. and income inequality.

Congressman Owens’ decision comes in the wake of Utah’s long-fought redistricting and a court-appointed map with a Democratic-leaning district. Owens unsuccessfully sued to stop the map.

The campaign to get a Proposition 4 repeal on the ballot has enough verified signatures — at least for now. Signers have a few weeks to remove names, and that could tip the scales in close Senate districts.

This ruling comes days after the Utah Supreme Court dismissed a separate request to let the state keep using its 2021 congressional map.

The justices didn’t wade into the substance of the case, but dismissed the appeal because it was procedurally improper.

A final determination still needs to be made by the lieutenant governor after signatures are verified and after the window for signers to remove their names if they choose.

Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens are asking a federal court to block a new map that improves the chances of a Democrat winning a Salt Lake County-centric seat.

Among other judiciary changes, lawmakers will consider expanding the Utah Supreme Court by two justices. “We apply a presumption of good faith to the work you do,” Chief Justice Matthew Durrant told lawmakers. “I hope you will accord us that same presumption.”

2025 got all the attention, but the fight over Utah’s congressional map goes all the way back to 2018. And it's likely to overshadow what lawmakers are doing in 2026.

Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson says until the Utah Supreme Court weighs in, there will be a “cloud” over the state’s 2026 midterm elections.