Utah District Court Judge Dianna Gibson ordered the Legislature to redraw congressional maps in accordance with the 2018 Proposition 4 initiative. President Trump shared his disapproval of the ruling, yet Senate President Adams and Speaker Schultz acknowledged they will comply while pursuing other legal remedies. What possible outcomes are predicted?
Cowley: Under normal redistricting circumstances, political cartographers would have months to create maps and solicit public input, yet the judge has placed a 30-day shot clock on map-making. With the extremely short timeline, the Legislature has no choice but to comply while awaiting the outcome of their appeal to the Supreme Court. There is an anticipated special session in September where new maps and related legislation may be presented.
The same people that drew the disputed maps are in the driver’s seat to revise them. It’s unlikely the Legislature will create a Democratic district. Utah could gain a new seat after the next census, which would also be Republican-leaning. Republican domination in Utah will not diminish anytime soon.
Pignanelli: “In the fast-escalating national arms race over redistricting, Utah has emerged as an unexpected and potentially pivotal battleground.” — Lauren Gambino, The Guardian
Although history suggests Democrats may retake the House in 2026, current political analysis is indeterminable. Indeed, an in-depth examination by the New York Times this week adjudges that the probable redistricting will not alter this inclusiveness.
The House of Representatives’ future direction may be determined by one vote, thus propelling Utah into the spotlight. Therefore, local politicians and activists will not endure the redistricting controversy in a vacuum. National parties and special interest organizations will aggressively promote their causes through litigation and the media. Consequently, GOP legislators will offer a map that satisfies many Proposition 4 requirements, while maintaining a reddish hue. They will also appeal Judge Gibson’s ruling to delay the implementation of changes. Their opponents will challenge legislative actions in the courts and public arena.
Readers should expect a wild ride.
Texas and California, two very populous and congressional-district-dense states, are trying to counteract efforts to tip the balance of congressional power through mid-decade redistricting. A New York Times article highlights the ongoing struggles of the Democratic Party, particularly its shrinking voter registration compared to that of Republicans. Will the redrawing of maps have any impact on these dynamics?
Cowley: The “Blue Wall” has crumbled, and Democrats are in crisis. Since COVID, voters are fleeing California and New York in favor of Texas, Idaho and Utah, resulting in blue states losing congressional seats and red states gaining them. We just kindly ask our new neighbors to remember why they moved in the first place.
Voter relocation isn’t Democrats’ only struggle of late. Their fundraising has dried up. They have no champions, no leadership and no viable presidential candidate. Their base is seeking refuge with Republicans, and their new voter registration numbers are plummeting. Trump increased his share of voters, including ones previously thought to be Democrat stalwarts, like men, Latinos, African Americans and young voters. This collective erosion of their base and depletion of future prospects signals a crisis that could take a decade or more to alter.
Democrats have only themselves to blame by alienating their base with a scourge of wokeness and rigid liberal litmus tests. The question is, do they see this as a reckoning or will they double down on their losing strategies?
Pignanelli: I am old enough to remember when both parties were declared dead, only to witness a revival in a few short years. So, obituaries should be ignored.
Democrats are experiencing a fierce internal battle between those pushing the messaging of Trump as a threat to democracy, while others want to focus on the struggles of working families. Furthermore, public safety concerns hinder Democrats’ ability to make progress.
If the messaging issues can be resolved, inflationary pressures caused by trade tariffs may lead to a change in the House of Representatives. Otherwise, redistricting moves will likely allow Republicans to sidestep history.
Utah was recently acknowledged as one of the best states in promoting and developing artificial intelligence. Although some are scared of the prospects of this new technology, why are we embracing it? Will it be for the better?
Cowley: As an Aggie, it pains me to heap so much praise on the U, but credit where credit is due. The University of Utah is ranked globally for AI research, and it’s a darn good thing. AI is the next big global arms race. President Randall called it a “Sputnik moment.” Whatever nation dominates will have unprecedented economic and military power. The United States cannot afford to lose. Utah is well-positioned because of our proficiency in technology and building data centers, the lifeblood of AI.
Pignanelli: Sen. Kirk Cullimore and former Rep. Jeff Moss deserve credit for establishing the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, a first in the country. This broadcast a willingness by the state to be involved without imposing regulations. Stakeholders will learn how the government can partner with businesses while protecting consumers. As usual, Utah is the national model as data centers increasingly locate here to provide AI services.