Utah Legislature Approves New Congressional Map, Opening Two Competitive Districts Amid National Redistricting Battles

The GOP-controlled Legislature passes a court-ordered map that gives Democrats slim opportunities in a deep-red state—pending judicial approval.

SALT LAKE CITY | Utah lawmakers approved a new congressional map Monday that could make two of the state’s four districts more competitive, offering Democrats a rare opening in one of the nation’s most Republican states. The move follows a federal judge’s August ruling striking down Utah’s previous map as a violation of a voter-approved anti-gerrymandering law.

The Republican-controlled Legislature advanced the map during a special session, selecting the version least favorable to Democrats among six considered proposals. While the new map introduces slightly more competitive districts, analysts say both still lean Republican — with former President Donald Trump having carried them in 2024 by narrow margins.

According to a Salt Lake Tribune analysis, the redrawn 3rd District has a +6 Republican edge, while the 2nd District sits at +11. The Legislature’s plan must now be approved by a federal judge before taking effect in time for the 2026 midterm elections.