Utah’s New Congressional Map: What Just Happened—And What Democrats Can Do Now

Utah’s redistricting process took a major turn this week. After a judge ruled in August that the state’s congressional maps violated the voter-approved Proposition 4, the Legislature was ordered to draw new, fairer districts⁶. Instead, the Republican supermajority doubled down—and chose Map C, a proposal pushed by the Utah GOP and widely criticized as the least competitive of all the options⁵.

What’s Map C—And Why Was It Chosen?

During the public comment period, the Utah Republican Party emailed supporters urging them to support Map C, calling it their “best chance to preserve representation.” The message included talking points and direct instructions for how to submit favorable comments⁷. Despite weeks of telling the public to “keep politics out” of the process, GOP leaders actively organized support for the map that most benefits them politically.

Unsurprisingly, the Legislature selected Map C in a special session on October 6 and sent it to the courts for review⁵. This map continues to divide Salt Lake County, ensuring that Democratic-leaning communities are split between four Republican-dominated districts—exactly the issue that led to the original lawsuit⁶.

What Happens Now?

Map C is not final—yet. The decision now rests with Judge Dianna Gibson, who must determine whether it complies with Proposition 4 and her August ruling⁶. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit have submitted two alternative maps that better reflect Prop 4’s nonpartisan criteria⁵. The court must decide by November 10 to ensure the new districts are in place for the 2026 elections⁴.

What Can Democrats Do?

This fight isn’t just about maps—it’s about power, representation, and accountability. And right now, we need every Democrat to come home.

Utah Democratic Party Chair Brian King recently issued a public call for Democrats who have registered as Republicans to vote in GOP primaries to switch back:

“We all know Democrats who register as Republicans to try to moderate the extremism. I understand the temptation—but it’s not working. It weakens our party and gives cover to a majority that ignores our values.”— Brian King, Utah Democratic Party Chair⁷

King is right. We can’t organize, mobilize, or win if we don’t know who’s with us. Republicans point to party registration numbers to justify their grip on power. Let’s take away that excuse.

Here’s What You Can Do Right Now:

✅ Update your party registration to Democrat — especially if you’ve been voting in Republican primaries. Do so here.

✅ Talk to friends and family about why fair maps matter — and what’s at stake.

✅ Support candidates and local parties working for real representation.

Although Map C has been pushed forward, the pursuit of fair representation remains ongoing. The courts will conduct their review, and public engagement remains essential. The future of Utah’s political landscape is still being determined, and it must equitably reflect all its residents.

References

1. Stack M. Utah joins national redistricting wave, moves to fix gerrymandered map. The Salt Lake Tribune. September 10, 2025. https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2025/09/10/utah-joins-national-redistricting

2. Woodruff D. Utah lawmakers have until Sept. 25 to publish new congressional map proposals. KSL.com. August 25, 2025. https://www.ksl.com/article/51370849/utah-lawmakers-have-until-sept-25-to-publish-new-congressional-map-proposals

3. Axios Salt Lake City. Utah’s new congressional map heads to court amid redistricting fight. October 7, 2025. https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/10/07/utah-legislature-redistricting-map-approved

4. Whitehurst L. Democrats could have a slight shot at flipping a US House seat in Utah under a new congressional map. AP News. October 7, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/5247fd0d90b5414fbfb393b3ff4e0bdd

5. Bryan C. Utah lawmakers pick Map C, backed by GOP, in redistricting redo. Utah News Dispatch. October 6, 2025. https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/10/06/utah-legislature-picks-congressional-map-supported-by-republican-party

6. Schott B. Judge orders Utah Legislature to draw new congressional map. Utah News Dispatch. August 25, 2025. https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/08/25/judge-orders-utah-legislature-to-draw-new-congressional-map

7. Segura L. There’s partisan squabbling ahead of Utah lawmakers’ expected redistricting vote. KUER. October 3, 2025. https://www.kuer.org/politics-government/2025-10-03/theres-partisan-squabbling-ahead-of-utah-lawmakers-expected-redistricting-vote

8. Itkowitz C. Lawmakers in Utah pass new congressional map aimed at preserving GOP power. The Washington Post. October 6, 2025. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/10/06/redistricting-congress-utah