The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Feb. 25, 2026
We’re back in Utah today, where on February 23rd a federal district court panel rejected a GOP appeal to court-chosen fair congressional districts. Another GOP appeal failed in the Utah Supreme Court just last week.
As we’ve reported, the Utah legislature has systematically attempted to neutralize the voter-approved Proposition 4 constitutional amendment, enshrining a fair and independent redistricting process. After years of trying to replace fairer maps with manipulated ones, and passing legislation undermining the citizen initiative, Utah state courts consistently rejected the legislature’s efforts as unconstitutional.
In December, 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson chose a fairer map by the League of Women Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government over the Utah legislature’s top choice. February 20th, the Utah Supreme Court rejected a GOP appeal of the map, saying it came too late.
Monday, a three-judge U.S. District Court panel rejected the state GOP’s claim that it was the legislature’s sole duty to create the map. The court also noted that any changes would come too close to the election, per the Purcell Principle.
So after years of plots to subvert the voters, it seems that Utah will get a fairer congressional map after all.
We’ve linked to the federal court decision and more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
U.S. District Court for Utah (via Utah News Dispatch) – Gardner v. Henderson
Utah News Dispatch – Redistricting: Federal panel denies bid to overturn Utah’s court-ordered congressional map
Campaign Legal Center – Federal Court Upholds Right to Fair Congressional Map in Utah
Related ADM Reports:
American Democracy Minute – Utah Supreme Court Rejects GOP Appeal; Fairer Map Stands. In VA, Same Judge, Different Objection to Ballot Measure to Authorize Redistricting
American Democracy Minute – Polls Show Most Utah Voters Want to Protect Their Fair Redistricting Amendment, But Another GOP-Backed Ballot Initiative Aims to Repeal It
American Democracy Minute – (Dec. 2025) Utah Judge Who Struck Down ‘Extreme Gerrymander’ Threatened with Impeachment and Violence; Florida Redistricting Starts Dec. 4
Groups Taking Action:
Mormon Women for Ethical Government, League of Women Voters UT, Campaign Legal Center
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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