Redistricting

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.

Utah lawmakers bought time to appeal the redrawn map in a special session, but they also created conditions that could have candidates thinking: “This is my chance to run against somebody. I don't have to necessarily wait in line.”

One GOP lawmaker characterized a judge's ruling that redrew the state’s congressional map as a “gross miscarriage of justice.” The main point of the session was to buy time for an appeal to the Utah Supreme Court.

GOP lawmakers want the Utah Supreme Court to overturn the new map before the 2026 midterms.

Nate Blouin has served in the Utah Senate since 2023 and said he’s “prepared to speak up” on the issues that matter most to the voters in Utah’s new District 1. He and political newcomer Luis Villarreal entered the race over the weekend.

Kitchen is a local business owner and previously a member of the Salt Lake City Council, Utah Senate and part of the Biden administration from 2023-2025.