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Utah Supreme Court Justice Resigns Amid Investigation into Alleged Relationship with Redistricting Attorney
Justice Diana Hagen has resigned from the Utah Supreme Court amid an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an attorney involved in a high-profile redistricting lawsuit. Her resignation, effective immediately, comes as state leaders were probing claims that she maintained a relationship with a lawyer who worked to challenge Republican-drawn congressional maps.
In her resignation letter to Governor Spencer Cox, Hagen appeared to reference the investigation while expressing concern for her loved ones.
“As a public servant for twenty-six years, I am keenly aware that public service requires sacrifice,” Hagen wrote. “I have willingly accepted those sacrifices for the privilege of holding a position of public trust, where I could do my part to uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of every Utahn.”
While acknowledging that public officials must accept greater scrutiny and diminished privacy, Hagen emphasized that her family did not choose public life and “do not deserve to have intensely personal details surrounding the painful dissolution of my thirty-year marriage subjected to public scrutiny.”
The allegations originated from Hagen’s former husband, who claimed she sent “inappropriate” text messages to attorney David Reymann. According to local news outlet KSL, Reymann had worked on behalf of progressive voting rights groups challenging a Republican-friendly congressional map that maintained four red seats in the state.
Both Hagen and Reymann had previously denied the allegations. The Judicial Conduct Commission, an independent body comprising state lawmakers, judges, and public members, reportedly conducted a preliminary investigation based on the complaint but chose not to pursue the matter further.
In a statement issued by the Utah Supreme Court on Hagen’s behalf in April, the justice said she had taken “prompt, prudent, and transparent steps” in response to her ex-husband’s allegations.
“My last involvement in the redistricting case was October 2024,” Hagen stated. “I voluntarily recused myself from all cases involving Mr. Reymann in May 2025, and my recusal was reflected in the Court’s September 15, 2025, opinion in League of Women Voters.”
The redistricting case in question has been politically significant for Utah. It involved challenges to congressional maps drawn by the Republican-controlled legislature that helped maintain GOP dominance in the state’s federal representation. A judge previously struck down these maps in a ruling that could potentially influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In her resignation letter, Hagen expressed that she would love to continue serving on the bench but felt unable to do so “without sacrificing the privacy and well-being of those I care about and the effective functioning and independence of Utah’s judiciary.”
The timing of this resignation is notable as it comes amid heightened nationwide attention on state judicial systems and their role in politically sensitive cases like redistricting. Several states, including Virginia, have seen legal challenges to congressional maps that could impact party control in Congress.
Governor Cox will now be tasked with appointing a replacement for Hagen on the state’s highest court. The process typically involves the governor selecting from candidates recommended by a nominating commission, with the nominee then requiring confirmation from the Utah Senate.
This resignation marks a significant shakeup for Utah’s judicial system, where Supreme Court justices serve ten-year terms following appointment and subsequent retention elections.
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11 Comments
It’s troubling to see allegations of misconduct at the highest levels of the Utah judiciary. I hope the investigation provides clarity and that any wrongdoing is swiftly addressed.
Redistricting and gerrymandering are highly contentious political issues. This case highlights the importance of the judiciary remaining impartial and avoiding even the appearance of improper influence or conflicts of interest.
Absolutely. Judges must uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure the integrity of the legal process. Any deviation from that can erode public confidence.
This resignation underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability measures for elected officials and those in positions of public trust. Maintaining public faith in democratic institutions is critical.
Well said. Transparency and adherence to ethical standards must be the bedrock for all branches of government, including the judiciary.
It’s discouraging to see allegations of improper relationships and undue influence within the judicial system. Public trust is the foundation of a healthy democracy, so these issues need to be addressed swiftly and transparently.
I agree. The resignation of a state Supreme Court justice is a serious matter that deserves close scrutiny to ensure the integrity of the legal system is maintained.
This is a concerning situation involving a state Supreme Court justice. I hope the investigation into the alleged relationship is thorough and fair. Public trust in the judiciary is critical, so it’s important to get to the bottom of this matter.
Agreed. Justice Hagen’s resignation suggests she may have felt the allegations were credible enough to warrant stepping down. Transparency and accountability are essential for maintaining faith in the state’s judicial system.
Redistricting is a complex and politically charged process, and it’s critical that it be handled with the highest standards of impartiality and ethical conduct. This case raises concerning questions that warrant a thorough investigation.
The redistricting process is often contentious, and it’s crucial that it be handled with the utmost integrity. This case raises questions about potential conflicts of interest that merit a thorough investigation.