The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Nov. 19, 2025
The Utah judge who struck down the state legislature’s proposed congressional map as “an extreme gerrymander” has faced threats of impeachment – and violence. Florida’s legislature scheduled its initial congressional redistricting committee meeting for Dec. 4th.
Last week, Judge Dianna Gibson struck down the GOP-majority legislature’s proposed map as violating the Utah constitution’s criteria for fair redistricting. Her decision was met with a call for her impeachment by Republican Representative Matt MacPherson, and unspecified threats of violence from others.
In a rare public statement, the Utah Judiciary called for civility, respect and constructive dialog. QUOTE, “Threats of violence against judges or court personnel are unacceptable, dangerous, and may violate state or federal law. Any conduct aimed at causing fear for a ruling or undermining the safe operation of the justice system strikes at the heart of the rule of law. Such actions endanger not only the individuals targeted but the functioning of the justice system itself.”
In other midterm gerrymandering news, the Florida House Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting scheduled its first session for December 4th. Florida’s announcement follows abandoned efforts to gerrymander more seats in Indiana and Kansas. Voters passed Florida Congressional District Boundaries Amendment 6 in 2010 to ensure fair districts, but the legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis have largely ignored the constitution’s criteria.
We have more on both stories at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – Utah Judge Rejects Legislature’s Gerrymandered Congressional Map, Choosing a Map Which Follows the State Constitution Instead
Utah News Dispatch – Utah judge faces impeachment threats after ordering congressional map with 1 Democratic seat
Utah News Dispatch – Utah judiciary issues rare statement addressing threats against judge in redistricting case
Utah Bar Association – Utah State Bar Statement on Call to Impeach Judge Gibson
Utah Judiciary – UTAH JUDICIARY RESPONDS TO THREATS IN REDISTRICTING CASE
Florida Politics – Florida House moves forward with meeting on redrawing Florida’s congressional lines
WJHG – Redistricting committee expected to meet in December
BallotPedia – Florida Fair Districts Now Amendments 5 & 6
Groups Taking Action:
League of Women Voters UT, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause FL,
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
Please follow us on Facebook and Bluesky Social, and SHARE!
Find all of our reports at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org
Want ADM sent to your email? Sign up here!
Are you a radio station? Find our broadcast files at Pacifica Radio Network’s Audioport and PRX
#News #Democracy #DemocracyNews #FairMaps #Florida #Utah #BetterBoundaries #Proposition 4 #TrumpGerrymandering