{"id":2481038,"date":"2025-09-01T06:37:02","date_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utah-redistricting-offers-democrats-a-bright-spot-with-california-in-limbo\/"},"modified":"2025-09-01T06:37:37","modified_gmt":"2025-09-01T10:37:37","slug":"utah-redistricting-offers-democrats-a-bright-spot-with-california-in-limbo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utah-redistricting-offers-democrats-a-bright-spot-with-california-in-limbo\/","title":{"rendered":"Utah redistricting offers Democrats a bright spot with California in limbo"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Futah-redistricting-offers-democrats-a-bright-spot-with-california-in-limbo%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2481038&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The article discusses the ongoing redistricting battles in the United States, highlighting Utah as a rare possibility for Democrats amid generally challenging conditions. While Texas recently enacted new congressional maps favoring Republicans, making it arduous for Democrats to gain seats there, Utah&#8217;s situation offers Democrats a possible opening. A Utah <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/judge-smacks-down-d-c-attendance-caps-on-churches-in-time-for-easter\/\" title=\"Judge Smacks Down D.C. Attendance Caps On Churches In Time For Easter\">district judge ruled<\/a> that the Republican-controlled legislature violated state law by drawing district maps that ignored the independent redistricting commission, ordering the maps to be redrawn before the 2026 midterm elections. This redraw could create a more competitive district in Salt Lake county, a Democratic stronghold, perhaps allowing Democrats to pick up a seat in a predominantly Republican state.<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, Democrats initially hoped to make gains in California through a special election called by Governor Gavin Newsom to override the independent commission and redraw maps more favorable to Democrats.However, California&#8217;s plans face opposition and legal challenges.<\/p>\n<p>The article also notes that redistricting efforts are underway in other states like Missouri,were GOP leaders are pushing for maps favorable to Republicans.Experts warn that the surge in mid-decade redistricting may increase partisanship in Congress and reduce the influence of moderate lawmakers. Former President Trump has criticized Utah&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/two-navy-veterans-set-to-square-off-in-ny-district-22-house-race\/\" title=\"Two Navy Veterans Set to Square Off in NY District 22 ... Race\">court-ordered redistricting<\/a> as unconstitutional. the article situates these redistricting conflicts as part of a broader political struggle that could shape control of the House and future legislative agendas. <br \/> <!DOCTYPE html><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Utah redistricting offers Democrats a bright spot with California in limbo<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2216020\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>The red state of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/utah\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Utah<\/a>&nbsp;is emerging as a rare bright spot for the Democratic Party&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/redistricting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">redistricting<\/a> wars, which have, until now, hinged on a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/california\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California<\/a>&nbsp;special election.<\/p>\n<p>With Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/house\/3787726\/abbott-signs-new-texas-congressional-map-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> signing Texas&rsquo;s new maps into law<\/a>, Democrats now face an uphill battle to cancel out the five additional GOP seats drawn into the Lone Star State&rsquo;s delegation.&nbsp;Hanging in the balance is the House majority, which Democrats only need a net gain of three seats to flip.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3787492\/wisconsin-supreme-court-justice-not-seek-reelection-2026\/\">Wisconsin Supreme Court conservative justice says she will not seek reelection in 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3786904\/judge-tosses-campaign-finance-lawsuit-georgia-chris-carr-burt-jones\/\">Judge tosses campaign finance lawsuit involving Georgia GOP gubernatorial rivals<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3785469\/fluke-foreshadowing-what-democrats-special-election-wins-mean-2026\/\">Fluke or foreshadowing? What Democrats&#8217; special election wins mean for 2026<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Their best bet to pick up seats after Texas&rsquo;s redistricting, at first, was in California.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has called a special election in November seeking voters&rsquo; approval to circumvent the state&rsquo;s independent redistricting commission and allow the Democratic-led state legislature to redraw maps. A new map would likely attempt to force out Reps. Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Ken Calvert (R-CA).<\/p>\n<p>But then a ruling dropped in Utah, thrusting the Beehive State into the redistricting battle erupting around the country.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>A district judge ruled that the Republican-controlled legislature drew districts counter to state law and ignored the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >independent redistricting commission established<\/a> to prevent partisan gerrymandering.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Redistricting is not a mere exercise in political line-drawing; it strikes at the very heart of our democracy,&rdquo; Judge Dianna M. Gibson wrote in her ruling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The judge ordered that the map be redrawn ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Though Utah is a predominantly Republican state that voted for President Donald Trump by over 20 points in 2024, Democrats are seeing a glimmer of hope taking root in Salt Lake County.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The area remains a Democratic stronghold that backed former Vice President Kamala Harris by 10 points last year. With the redrawing of the map, the new district boundaries could turn one of Utah&rsquo;s four GOP districts into a competitive pick-up opportunity for Democrats.<\/p>\n<p>Utah lawmakers have until September 24 to adopt a new map, per the deadline given by the district judge. The tight turnaround could force lawmakers to consider maps proposed by the redistricting commission, including one that created a district comprised of Democrat-heavy cities such as Salt Lake City and Park City.<\/p>\n<p>The Utah House member who will have the most competitive seat depends on how Salt Lake City is divided up in the new map.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Before the current boundaries <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">were drawn in 2020, the city resided within the 4th District, which is currently represented by Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT). If a new map reflects the old 2020 one, he is likely to have the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/cami_mondeaux\/status\/1961168773144309990?s=46\" target=\"_blank\">most competitive<\/a>&nbsp;seat, per&nbsp;<\/span><em>Deseret News<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the House, every seat matters, and flipping the chamber is Democrats&rsquo; best chance to break apart the Republican trifecta. Shifting any seats into competitive battlegrounds could threaten Republicans&rsquo;  razor-thin majority in an election cycle where Trump will not be at the top of the ballot to drive turnout.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Democrats have claimed that Republicans are gerrymandering districts because the GOP would lose if the midterm elections were a referendum on Trump&rsquo;s record.<\/p>\n<p>Republicans have argued that the redrawing in Texas is within the rights of legislators, as the state does not have a redistricting commission. Instead, the GOP has accused California Democrats of a power grab and ignoring the will of voters by trying to circumvent the state&rsquo;s commission.<\/p>\n<p>Other states, including Illinois, New York, Florida, Indiana, and Ohio, have also floated redistricting to try to target the opposing party in their state and boost their party&rsquo;s representation on Capitol Hill.<\/p>\n<p>GOP Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Friday said he&rsquo;d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nebraska-electoral-college-vote-a-key-brick-in-bidens-needed-blue-wall\/\" title=\"Nebraska&#039;s Electoral College vote crucial for Biden&#039;s blue wall\">call state lawmakers back<\/a> for a special session to look at approving a new congressional map. The Show-Me state has two Democrats in Congress and four Republicans, and a map Trump posted on social media would wipe out one Democratic seat. <\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I call on all of my Republican friends in the Missouri Legislature to work as fast as they can to get this new Congressional Map, AS IS, to Governor Mike Kehoe&rsquo;s desk,&rdquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/truthsocial.com\/@realDonaldTrump\/posts\/115114270276925608\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trump said<\/a> on Truth Social on Friday.<\/p>\n<p>Strategists have warned that redistricting could ultimately <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/3495486\/redistricting-wars-threaten-make-congress-partisan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make Congress more partisan<\/a> and eliminate centrist members, many of whom each party relies on to help find common ground and unite against contentious legislation. They&rsquo;ve also cautioned that this snowballing redistricting war could result in &ldquo;warped&rdquo; representation and ultimately be bad for the country.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/3785457\/trump-utah-court-order-redraw-map-absolutely-unconstitutional\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRUMP RIPS UTAH COURT ORDER TO REDRAW ELECTORAL MAP AS &lsquo;ABSOLUTELY UNCONSTITUTIONAL&rsquo;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>J. Miles Coleman, an associate editor with Sabato&rsquo;s <em>Crystal Ball<\/em>, related the frequency of mid-decade redistricting to the once-rare move of impeaching a president.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;In this redistricting race to the bottom, because that&rsquo;s kind of what it is, it almost reminds me of &hellip; the first Trump term, how he was impeached two times. It&rsquo;s like, &lsquo;Okay, well, every time we have a president of one party, is the other party going to automatically try to impeach him?&rsquo; Just because that&rsquo;s something that used to be more rare, is kind of more common now.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;It was still seen as almost a fringy type of thing, and I feel like it&rsquo;s becoming more, not willy nilly, but more commonly talked about, at least, and this mid-decade redistricting could kind of fall into that category, as well,&rdquo; Coleman added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script> <\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Utah redistricting gives Democrats hope as California stalls<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2648,"featured_media":2481039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25234182052145_467673.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[4045,3685,62369],"class_list":["post-2481038","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-california","tag-democrats","tag-utah-redistricting"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/AP25234182052145_467673.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2481038","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2481038"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2481038\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2481042,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2481038\/revisions\/2481042"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2481039"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2481038"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2481038"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2481038"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}