Summary
A judge in Utah ruled that the state legislature must redraw its congressional district map before the 2026 elections. The judge found that lawmakers had ignored a voter-established independent commission intended to prevent unfair district drawing favoring one party. The ruling requires new maps by September 24, but Republican appeals might delay the process.
Key Facts
- A Utah judge ordered the state legislature to create new congressional district maps.
- The current map splits Salt Lake County into four districts that elected Republicans.
- The judge said the legislature ignored a commission meant to prevent biased district drawing.
- New maps should be ready by September 24, ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Republican officials might appeal, potentially delaying new maps until 2028.
- Democrats need three more seats to control the U.S. House, affecting the political stakes.
- Previous voter measures to form an independent commission were overturned by lawmakers.
