Utah Republicans Challenge New Voting Map Favoring Democrats

GOP files federal lawsuit to block court-ordered redistricting plan

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After years of legal battles, a new voting map for Utah's 2026 elections has been ordered by the courts that gives Democrats a better chance of winning a Salt Lake County-based district. In response, the Republican-controlled state legislature has passed a bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court, which critics call 'court-packing', and are racing to put a repeal of the Independent Redistricting Commission on the ballot before a February 15 deadline.

Why it matters

The fight over Utah's voting maps is part of a broader nationwide battle between Democrats and Republicans over gerrymandering and the drawing of district boundaries to gain political advantage. The new court-ordered map in Utah could shift the balance of power in the state, prompting the GOP to take aggressive steps to try to maintain their control.

The details

The new voting map ordered by the courts creates a new Salt Lake County-based district that is seen as more favorable to Democrats, breaking up the state's traditional Republican strongholds. In response, the GOP-led state legislature has passed a bill to expand the Utah Supreme Court from 5 to 7 justices, which critics say is an attempt at 'court-packing' to tilt the ideological balance of the court. The legislature is also racing to put a repeal of the state's Independent Redistricting Commission on the February 15 ballot, which would give the Republican-controlled legislature more control over the redistricting process.

  • The courts ordered the new voting map for Utah's 2026 elections.
  • The Utah legislature passed a bill to expand the state Supreme Court on February 1, 2026.
  • The legislature has a February 15, 2026 deadline to put a repeal of the Independent Redistricting Commission on the ballot.

The players

Utah Republican Party

The Republican Party that controls the state legislature in Utah and is challenging the court-ordered voting map changes.

Utah Independent Redistricting Commission

A non-partisan commission created by Utah voters in 2018 to draw the state's voting district boundaries, which the Republican legislature is now seeking to repeal.

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What they’re saying

“The courts have overstepped their bounds and the legislature must act to restore balance and protect the will of Utah voters.”

— Rep. Mike Schultz, Utah House Majority Whip (Utah Republican Party statement)

“This is a naked power grab by Republicans who can't win fair elections. Utahns deserve an independent, non-partisan process for drawing district maps.”

— Jenny Wilson, Salt Lake County Mayor (Salt Lake Tribune)

What’s next

The Utah Supreme Court will rule on the legislature's attempt to expand the court, and voters will decide whether to repeal the Independent Redistricting Commission in a February 15 ballot measure.

The takeaway

The battle over Utah's voting maps highlights the ongoing national debate over gerrymandering and the role of the courts versus legislatures in the redistricting process. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state for years to come.