National issues are putting Utah on the map

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.

https://www.deseret.com/search/?q=Renae+Cowley+%26+Frank+Pignanelli

By Renae Cowley, Frank Pignanelli

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature.