Utah Congressional Redistricting Challenge (Powers Gardner)

An anti-voting lawsuit challenging a state court order to adopt a fairer statewide congressional map.

Background 

Utah elected officials filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging a state court judge’s Nov. 10 ruling adopting a fairer congressional map. Plaintiffs assert that the judge “exceed[ed] the remedial power of a state court” by selecting a map after the legislature failed to comply with the judge’s order. Plaintiffs argue the judge violated the U.S. Constitution by not re-ordering the legislature to redraw the map. The lawsuit asks the federal court to declare the court-ordered map unconstitutional and direct the state legislature to either redraw or keep the 2021 map in place.

Why It Matters

Utah experienced the largest population growth in the 2020 Census, with the majority of the growth concentrated in the Salt Lake City metro area. The Utah legislature has fought at every turn to dilute Salt Lake City residents’ representation by splitting up urban voters between more rural districts. After ordering the legislature to draw a compliant map – which legislators failed to do – the state court judge adopted a map proposed by pro-voting groups. The Utah GOP has now brought their dissatisfaction to federal court, before the Utah Supreme Court has even weighed in on their appeal. 

Latest Updates

• Feb. 18, 2026: A three-judge panel will hear arguments on plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to block the state court-ordered map from being used in the 2026 midterms.
• Feb. 11, 2026: The National Redistricting Foundation (NRF) filed a motion to intervene as a defendant to protect Utah’s court-ordered congressional map. Plaintiffs filed their opposition to the NRF’s proposed intervention. NRF also filed a motion to dismiss or stay the case.
• Feb. 11, 2026: Defendant lieutenant governor filed a notice stating the court must rule by Feb. 23 on whether the state judge-ordered map will be used for the 2026 midterms. If the judge-ordered map cannot be used, the defendant states the court must select the 2021 congressional map as any other map would be “impossible” to implement before the filing period begins on Mar. 9.
• Feb. 7, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their motion for a preliminary injunction.The League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and 6 Utah voters (plaintiffs in the ongoing state court litigation) moved to intervene as defendants. Proposed intervenor defendants filed their opposition to the motion to expedite. Plaintiffs replied.
• Feb. 6, 2026: Plaintiffs filed a motion to expedite the schedule for their upcoming motion for a preliminary injunction.
• Feb. 2, 2026: Plaintiffs filed their complaint.