1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Utah Legislature's plan to appeal the court-ordered congressional map to the state Supreme Court. This decision is a blatant attempt to undermine the will of Utah voters and the integrity of our democratic process. In 2018, Utah voters passed Proposition 4 to create an independent redistricting commission, demonstrating our desire for fair and unbiased representation. The GOP-controlled Legislature's subsequent actions to reduce this commission to an advisory role and draw maps that ensure four safely Republican seats are clear violations of the voters' intent. The recent ruling by Judge Dianna Gibson, which creates a more balanced map including a competitive district around Salt Lake City, is a step towards honoring the will of the people. The fact that Senate President Stuart Adams calls this the "most partisan and gerrymandered" map in Utah's history is deeply ironic, given the Legislature's own attempts to manipulate district boundaries for partisan gain. The suggestion of impeaching Judge Gibson for her decision is particularly alarming. This threat to judicial independence is a dangerous precedent that undermines the separation of powers essential to our democracy. I urge you to respect the court's decision and abandon the appeal process. The current map, which gives Democrats an opportunity to win one of Utah's four congressional seats, more accurately reflects the political diversity of our state. The complications this creates for incumbent Republican representatives should not take precedence over fair representation for all Utahns. Furthermore, I implore you to oppose any attempts to delay the candidate filing deadline or manipulate the electoral process. The special session called by Governor Cox for December 9 should not be used to subvert the court's ruling or the will of the voters. As your constituent, I demand that you prioritize fair representation over partisan interests. The integrity of our democracy depends on respecting both the will of the voters and the rulings of our courts. Any action to undermine these principles will be remembered at the ballot box. I will be closely monitoring your stance and actions on this critical issue.