In recent years, Utah has emerged as an unlikely but essential battleground in the fight against hyperpartisan congressional redistricting. A recent federal court ruling has even more dramatic implications for the future of the state’s political landscape. In a formal ruling Tuesday, state district Judge Dianna Gibson declared the existing congressional map a violation. She claimed that the Republican-controlled legislature had usurped her power. This ruling comes after years of legal challenges to Proposition 4, a ballot initiative that won narrowly in 2018.
The judge’s ruling orders the Republican-controlled legislature to produce a new congressional map by September 24. This vibrant development has recently raised the eyebrows of national political influencers. Former President Donald Trump was not happy with the ruling and took to Truth Social to express his frustration. Trump called the redistricting decision “absolutely unconstitutional.” Trump, in turn, encouraged Utah Republicans not to give in and stay focused on keeping control of Utah’s congressional delegation.
David Wasserman is a senior editor and elections analyst at the non-partisan Cook Political Report. In doing so, he underscored how this ruling might upend the political tides in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold. While he didn’t speak directly about the ruling, his career focus underscores the huge impact it could have. This legal ruling will have a profound impact on the midterm elections.
As anticipated, the closely-watched ruling has prompted a storm of analysis by political observers and constitutional scholars alike. Mark Gaber, an attorney involved in redistricting efforts, described the decision as a “vindication of a fair and neutral process.” He added that it shows that Utah’s leaders remain committed to ensuring fair, equitable representation in Utah’s congressional delegation.
Kareem Crayton is vice-president and Brennan Center for Justice. He further confirmed this idea when he declared that the ruling achieves the equivalent of redistricting with guardrails. Crayton cautioned that lawmakers are always able to game the system by drawing district lines. This would go a long way towards preserving Republican favor, notably by dividing up Salt Lake City into several districts.
The map that Congress is currently working under splits heavily Democratic Salt Lake City into four districts. This division undercuts its power within the largely Republican state. A better map would pack a larger share of Utah’s capital city into just one district. This amendment could be a huge boon for Democratic candidates in statehouse elections to come.
Following Judge Gibson’s decision, the Utah state legislature sprang into action. They asked for a stay on her order to allow themselves time to appeal. We’re hopeful state lawmakers will continue to make the best of an unprecedented landscape while upholding their fiduciary duty to represent their constituents in a fight for equity.
Trump’s incendiary comments last week during a rally in Texas have supercharged the politics around redistricting with a whole new episode. He bragged that he intends to net five additional Republican House seats. This decision further centralizes his control of Republican politics as he attempts to consolidate power ahead of the midterm elections.
The recent order in Utah marks an important step in that direction. At least six other states have similar efforts underway to redraw their congressional boundaries too. This mid-decade redistricting push is pretty extraordinary and would lock in political advantages going up to the elections of next year.
Judge Gibson was appointed by former Republican Governor Gary Herbert. This further underscores the fact that partisan politics does not always determine the outcomes of judicial decisions. The state Supreme Court previously ruled that lawmakers likely overstepped their authority when they weakened the independent commission responsible for redistricting.
As Utah works to understand the ruling’s consequences, Trump’s harangue shows how much is at stake when it comes to control over congressional seats. He questioned how “such a wonderful Republican State like Utah” could find itself at odds with what he perceives as radical judicial decisions.