Overview

• Judge Dianna Gibson barred use of Utah’s 2021 congressional map for 2026, finding lawmakers unlawfully sidestepped the voter-approved Proposition 4 standards and ordering new lines by Sept. 24.
• Legislative leaders said they will produce new maps under protest while pursuing a stay and appeals, arguing the 30-day timetable limits public input as the court holds a status conference Friday.
• Utah’s current map splits Salt Lake County four ways, and proposals compliant with Prop 4 could assemble a compact Salt Lake City–area district that may be competitive for Democrats.
• President Trump denounced the decision as “absolutely unconstitutional” on Truth Social, and Sen. Mike Lee echoed the criticism, even as reports note Gibson was appointed by a Republican governor.
• Utah’s fight unfolds as a broader mid-decade remap accelerates, with Texas’ new GOP map signed by Gov. Greg Abbott to add five Republican opportunities and California advancing a countermeasure likely headed to voters.