Federal Judges Reject GOP Effort to Block New Utah Congressional Seat

The new district is expected to lean Democratic, dealing a blow to Republicans' efforts to maintain control.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A three-judge federal panel unanimously rejected demands from Republican lawyers, commissioners, mayors, and members of Congress to stop the creation of a new congressional district in Utah. The judges ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits, allowing the new district to move forward for the 2026 midterm elections.

Why it matters

The addition of a new congressional seat in Utah is seen as a potential gain for Democrats, as the district is expected to lean blue due to the growing population in Salt Lake City. This ruling is a setback for Republicans, who have been fighting the new district in court for six years in an effort to maintain their control of the state's congressional delegation.

The details

The new congressional district was created after Utah's population, particularly in Salt Lake City, expanded significantly. Republicans have been challenging the district in court, arguing that it should not be added. However, the three-judge federal panel unanimously rejected the GOP's request for a preliminary injunction to block the new district, ruling that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits.

  • The new congressional district will be in effect for the 2026 midterm elections.
  • The legal battle over the new district has been ongoing for six years.

The players

Marc Elias

An elections lawyer who cheered the ruling, stating that the new map will stand for the 2026 midterms and that Democrats will likely gain 1 seat.

Nate Blouin

A Democratic state senator in Utah who is among those running for the new congressional seat, writing on X that "Vote for blutah. Vote for Blouin."

Celeste Maloy

A Republican member of Congress who was among the plaintiffs seeking to block the new district.

Burgess Owens

A Republican member of Congress who was among the plaintiffs seeking to block the new district.

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What they’re saying

“Federal Court three-judge panel DENIES republican motion for a preliminary injunction to block Utah's new congressional map from going in to effect. The new map will stand for the 2026 midterms. Democrats will likely gain 1 seat!”

— Marc Elias, Elections lawyer (X)

“Done deal. Vote for blutah. Vote for Blouin.”

— Nate Blouin, Democratic state senator (X)

What’s next

The only way to stop the new district from being added is if the U.S. Supreme Court steps in and overturns the federal judges' ruling.

The takeaway

This ruling is a significant blow to Republican efforts to maintain control of Utah's congressional delegation, as the new district is expected to lean Democratic due to the growing population in Salt Lake City. The decision highlights the ongoing battle over redistricting and the potential political implications of changes to congressional maps.