Overview
- A three-judge federal panel denied Republicans’ request for a preliminary injunction, finding their case unlikely to succeed and warning against late election changes under the Purcell principle.
- The ruling follows the Utah Supreme Court’s refusal last week to reinstate the Legislature’s 2021 map, leaving in effect Judge Dianna Gibson’s remedial map drawn under Proposition 4’s anti-gerrymandering rules.
- The court-ordered lines consolidate most of Salt Lake City into one district, creating a Democratic-leaning seat and positioning Democrats to potentially pick up one of Utah’s four House seats in 2026.
- Utah’s top election official, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson, had sought a final decision by Feb. 23 to implement precincts ahead of candidate filing, which opens March 13.
- Republican plaintiffs, including Reps. Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy, expressed disappointment and may seek U.S. Supreme Court review, as Judge Timothy Tymkovich separately flagged concerns about timing and the selection of a plaintiffs’ map.