How Utah lawmakers plan to take up redistricting in special session
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The GOP-controlled Utah Legislature will convene Tuesday evening for a special session to consider election-law changes that could buy lawmakers more time to overturn the state's new court-ordered congressional map.
Why it matters: The move marks the latest of many attempts to undo the court-imposed map, which creates a competitive district expected to favor Democrats.
State of play: Lawmakers are proposing to shift the congressional candidate filing window to March 9-13, 2026, giving the Legislature more time to appeal to the Utah Supreme Court and allowing county clerks time to prepare for any map changes.
What they're saying: "Utahns deserve a stable, transparent and accountable process for redistricting, one that respects the roles of our elected branches and the voice of the people," Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said in a joint statement Sunday.
- Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote Sunday on X that he is confident the state Supreme Court "will consider it in a timely way so we have clarity for the 2026 election."
Catch up quick: Some state Republican lawmakers have recently floated impeaching Judge Dianna Gibson, who rejected the GOP-controlled Legislature's map last month in favor of one provided by anti-gerrymandering advocates as part of a 2018 lawsuit.
- The new map creates Utah's first competitive congressional district in years.
Between the lines: All four of Utah's congressional seats are currently held by Republicans, increasing the stakes of any boundary changes.
What they're saying: "The Legislature is taking action to restore order, ensure transparency and defend the integrity of our elections, keeping Utah's constitutional framework strong and stable," Adams and Schultz said in the joint statement.