U.S. News
Utah Supreme Court Adds Two Justices After GOP Move
Clear Facts
- The Utah Supreme Court has expanded from five to seven justices after Governor Spencer Cox signed S.B. 134 into law.
- The bill received approval from over 70% of Republicans in both legislative chambers but did not garner any Democratic votes.
- Governor Cox will nominate the two new justices, pending approval from the Republican-controlled Utah State Senate.
The expansion of Utah’s highest court was made official with Governor Cox’s signature, creating two vacant seats to be filled. This move comes just as the court is expected to handle a major case regarding the congressional map for the upcoming midterm elections.
The new law highlights stark partisan divisions, with no Democratic support and strong Republican approval.
The court’s enlargement follows a decision by District Court Judge Dianna Gibson, who said the old map constituted “partisan gerrymandering.”
All four of Utah’s congressional seats are currently held by Republicans, each having voted decisively for Donald Trump in the last election cycle.
Judge Gibson’s redrawn map would make one seat reliably Democratic, increasing the likelihood of a party shift in Utah’s congressional delegation.
With Cox filling the two new seats, most of the Utah Supreme Court will comprise his appointees, giving him significant influence.
“I would err on the side that seven sets of eyes reviewing the most complex and difficult issues our state has ever faced is better than having only five sets of eyes,” Utah House Majority Leader Casey Snider said.
The Utah State Senate must approve Governor Cox’s selections before they take their seats.
All current justices were appointed by Republican governors, reflecting the state’s political landscape.
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