Utah voters who challenged political boundaries drawn by the Legislature celebrated last week after the state’s high court gave them a win. But this lawsuit is far from over.
Rep. Celeste Maloy is on track to secure the Republican Party nomination over Colby Jenkins in the 2nd Congressional District primary race with a lead of 214 votes as of Tuesday's count. Jenkins has confirmed he will request a recount following the state certification on July 22.
The GOP primary in Utah's largest Congressional district is too close to call, with a recount expected. A political newcomer was endorsed by Sen. Mike Lee. The incumbent was backed by Donald Trump.
In the general election for attorney general, Derek Brown emerged as the Republican candidate after a three-way race. Rudy Bautista (Democratic), Andrew McCullough (Libertarian) and Michelle Quist (United Utah) all made their way onto the ballot via convention. Austin Hepworth is running as an unaffiliated candidate.
Utah’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor of opponents of redistricting that carved up Democratic-leaning Salt Lake County among four congressional districts that have since elected Republicans by wide margins.
Hours after the Utah Supreme Court ruled the Utah Legislature overstepped their authority by drawing gerrymandered political maps, voters met at the Capitol to celebrate the decision.
“Wait. What the heck just happened?” said Henry Barbour, a Mississippi delegate and member of the Republican National Committee.
The Utah Supreme Court ruled Thursday the GOP-controlled state Legislature was wrong to essentially bypass an independent redistricting commission created through a voter-approved ballot initiative and establish its own House maps instead.
The Republican-run State Legislature was wrong to flout a voter-approved measure calling for fair maps, the court said. A lower court will hear a challenge to the House map.
A ruling by the Utah Supreme Court to redraw district lines was met with a resounding condemnation from state Republicans.
The Republican primary race for Utah’s 2nd Congressional District between Celeste Maloy, who is backed by former President Trump, and Colby Jenkins appears to be headed for a recount.