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Utah Judge Selects Plaintiffs’ Map, Tosses Legislature’s Plan as Partisan

The decision applies Proposition 4 by finding that Map C used partisan data to advantage Republicans.

Overview

  • 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson chose the plaintiffs’ Map 1 shortly before the Nov. 10 administrative deadline identified by Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson.
  • In a 91-page ruling, the court found the legislature’s Map C was drawn with partisan data, unduly favored Republicans, and violated the voter-approved anti-gerrymandering law.
  • The order enjoins S.B. 1011, which sought to codify partisan symmetry tests, and declares Proposition 4 enforceable while setting aside earlier maps.
  • Implementation remains subject to ongoing appeals as legislative leaders argue they hold sole constitutional authority over redistricting.
  • State Rep. Matt MacPherson said he will seek to impeach the judge, and the selected map includes a compact Salt Lake County district expected to lean Democratic with three likely Republican seats.