A Utah district judge has struck down a Republican-drawn congressional map and approved one that creates a Democrat-leaning district — a decision conservatives are calling a major power grab by the courts.

Judge Dianna Gibson, who presides over Utah’s 3rd District Court, ruled that the GOP-approved map, known as Map C, “does not comply with Utah law.” She wrote that the map “was drawn with partisan political data on display” and failed to meet the state’s redistricting standards.

Gibson said, “Map C does not abide by Proposition 4’s traditional redistricting criteria ‘to the greatest extent practicable.’” Proposition 4, passed by voters in 2018, established guidelines for how districts should be drawn to prevent gerrymandering.

The judge concluded, “And, based on the evidence presented, the Court finds that [Republicans’ House map] was drawn with the purpose to favor Republicans.”

The lawsuit that led to the ruling was filed by the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government, both left-leaning advocacy groups. They argued that GOP lawmakers intentionally drew districts to maintain political advantage — an accusation Republican leaders have strongly denied.

The plaintiffs submitted their own proposed map, one that carved out a new Democrat-friendly district, and Judge Gibson approved it. The map centers around northern Salt Lake County and, according to court documents, is about 43% Republican — a significant shift in a state where GOP candidates have dominated for decades.

Under the previous GOP plan, Salt Lake County was split into four districts, each designed to reflect the state’s overall population balance. The new configuration consolidates Democrat-heavy neighborhoods into one district, giving the left its best chance in years to win a congressional seat in Utah.

The timing of the ruling has raised eyebrows. Gibson’s decision came just hours before state officials were scheduled to begin preparing for the 2026 midterm elections.

Democrats quickly celebrated the ruling as a victory for what they call “fair representation.”

Democrat National Committee Chair Ken Martin said, “The DNC applauds the decision to choose a fair, impartial map that reflects the diversity and ideological makeup of the state.”

Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, took the ruling a step further, saying, “…Make no mistake: Across the country, Republicans are rigging congressional maps because they can’t defend their toxic record to gut health care and raise costs for families — all to deliver tax cuts to the wealthy and well-connected.”

Utah Republicans, however, are not taking the decision lightly. State Representative Matt MacPherson said he plans to file articles of impeachment against Judge Gibson, calling her ruling a “gross abuse of power.”

MacPherson said the court’s decision undermines Utah voters who supported reform measures but never intended for judges to unilaterally rewrite political maps.

Many conservatives argue that the ruling is part of a larger pattern of judicial overreach happening across the country. Similar redistricting battles are now unfolding in Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana — all key battlegrounds for control of Congress in 2026.

The Utah case could have major national consequences if it stands. Democrats, who have struggled to compete in the state, now see a pathway to flipping at least one seat, giving them new momentum heading into the midterms.

Republicans say the fight isn’t over and are expected to appeal the decision to the Utah Supreme Court, where they hope to have the ruling reversed before the next election cycle begins.

As both parties brace for another round of legal and political warfare, one thing is certain — this single courtroom decision has already sent shockwaves through one of America’s most reliably conservative states.