SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Just 30 minutes before the deadline set by the lieutenant governor, Utah District Judge Dianna Gibson handed down a major decision, striking down the Legislature’s congressional Map C and selecting Map 1 — a version drawn by the plaintiffs that creates a left-leaning district centered in Salt Lake County.
“This was not what I expected the decision to be, and it’s hugely consequential,” said Jason Perry, director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics. “It has the capacity to change our representation as a state. Imagine all the Republicans in local races suddenly sitting in a new congressional district that could have a high turnout under new boundaries. The potential for impact in Utah is pretty significant.”
Perry said the ruling upends Utah’s long-standing approach of blending rural and urban areas within the same districts.
“This really does change how competitive these districts are,” he said. “The argument has been that we want a mix of urban and rural, so everyone’s represented. This change creates what’s almost a donut around Salt Lake County, and that shifts both the geography and the type of representation.”
When asked about the ruling’s timing, Perry said there’s no clear political motive.
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“Who knows about the timing,” he said. “The lieutenant governor said the map had to be selected by the 10th to prepare for the next election cycle — and we got it on the 10th. What happens now is what we’ll be watching closely. The Legislature responded immediately, and they are upset.”
Perry believes an appeal is certain, saying Utah is likely headed toward “a turbo-charged race to the courts.”
He added that the ruling highlights ongoing tension between Utah’s branches of government.
“At the heart of this is how much power the judiciary, the Legislature, and the people — through the initiative process — each have,” he said. “This is the perfect example of all three branches deciding an issue that’s far from settled in Utah.”
“Map C, approved by the Legislature, had two districts that leaned competitive. The map chosen by the judge creates one district — likely District 1 — that’s purple and leans blue,” Perry said. “It’s the more populated part of the state, which tends to vote more Democratic. For the first time in about 25 years, Utah could have a district that could realistically go blue with the right candidate.”
Currently, potential candidates are deciding whether now is the time to enter the race. Former Democratic Congressman Ben McAdams is expected to announce his candidacy later this week. A centrist Democratic PAC is already fundraising for him, and FEC paperwork has been filed on his behalf — though in Utah’s 4th District.
The judge’s decision also carries national implications.
“Republicans have a very slim majority in Congress,” Perry said. “If California adds five Democratic-leaning districts and Utah adds one swing seat, it could change the balance of power in the House. That would affect investigations, hearings, and control of committees. Utah is definitely part of that mix now.”
As Utah’s filing deadline approaches in early January, Perry said many potential candidates are rethinking their plans.
“Everyone who wants to run, including incumbents, is watching closely to see what these lines will look like when they file,” he said. “Even though the courts are in question now, they’ll ultimately decide this.”
Perry said if McAdams runs, he’ll likely choose the district that’s most competitive — probably District 1.
“Old names will resurface, and new ones will too,” he said.
He urged voters to stay engaged as the process unfolds. “Whatever the final lines are, it’s important we find the right people to represent us,” he said. “The worst thing that could happen is if people decide not to participate at all.”
While the process may be messy, Perry said it’s democracy at work.
“This isn’t always pretty to watch,” he said. “But this is what checks and balances look like — elected leaders, the people, and the courts all playing their constitutional roles. And I can say for certain, the answer we have today is not the final one. There’s more to come.”
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