The Legislative Redistricting Committee in Utah recently finalized a map for the state’s congressional districts. This decision, made during a meeting on Monday, resulted in an 8-2 vote favoring “Map C.” The committee’s vote will be presented during the upcoming legislative special session.
Key Details of Map C Selection
Senator Luz Escamilla and Representative Doug Owens, both Democrats, opposed the selection. They raised concerns about the selection process and the analysis performed by a redistricting expert. Committee Chair Senator Scott Sandall emphasized the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process. Over the past 10 days, the committee analyzed thousands of public comments while adhering to guidelines from Proposition 4 and court mandates.
Map Highlights
One significant feature of Map C is the reunification of Salt Lake City into a single district, placing it in District 3 along with Vernal and Moab. However, some nearby areas have been divided:
- Millcreek
- North Salt Lake
- Pleasant Grove
Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties have also been impacted by these adjustments to maintain equal population distribution across districts. The committee asserts that Map C fulfills all requirements of Proposition 4, including equal population, limited splits of cities and counties, and adherence to natural boundaries.
Comments from Lawmakers
Senator Don Ipson, responsible for proposing Map C, expressed confidence that the map serves the interests of Utah’s citizens. He noted that careful consideration had been given to all options. In his view, Map C balances the needs of both urban and rural populations.
Despite these discussions, Escamilla and Owens criticized the five maps presented by the committee, questioning the redistricting expert’s neutrality. Owens compared the lack of transparency to “buying a car without being able to see under the hood.” They even submitted an alternative map prepared by their own expert for consideration.
Next Steps
Utah lawmakers are scheduled to gather for a special session on Monday, October 6. During this session, they will deliberate on the adoption of Map C. If approved, this map will be used in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, which include all four of Utah’s congressional districts.
