Utah Legislature Convenes Special Session to Address Court-Ordered Redistricting and Governance Changes

Utah Governor Spencer Cox has called a special legislative session beginning Monday, October 6, 2025, primarily to address the adoption of new congressional district maps following a court ruling that invalidated the current boundaries for the 2026 elections. The session will also consider amendments to redistricting standards, including the use of scientific and statistical methods to evaluate future maps, amidst controversy over a GOP-backed proposal that could entrench four solidly Republican districts. The redistricting issue stems from the 3rd District Court's decision that the 2021 legislative maps violated voter-approved Proposition 4, which aimed to curb partisan gerrymandering. Alongside redistricting, lawmakers will debate changes to bills affecting local governance, emergency services funding, and the process for selecting the chief justice of the Utah Supreme Court, which has raised concerns about judicial independence. Public input on proposed maps is ongoing, with the Legislature set to vote on a preferred map and related measures during the session. This special session underscores ongoing legal and political tensions over representation and checks and balances within Utah's government.