The Utah Republican Party has ceased efforts to gather signatures for a referendum aimed at repealing the state legislature’s redistricting plan, known as Map C. With the deadline approaching on November 17, 2023, party chair Rob Axson indicated that their primary goal was never to complete the referendum but rather to engage with the public about the legislative process regarding congressional maps.
Axson emphasized that the party’s intention was to foster dialogue with Utah residents and educate them on the significance of representative governance. “We really are trying to embrace this as an opportunity to talk with and hear from Utahns,” he stated in an interview. The referendum would have sought to repeal Map C and, if successful, would also have posed a question regarding the repeal of Proposition 4, Utah’s anti-gerrymandering law.
While the party initially filed to gather signatures on October 17, it has not turned in any signatures to the Lieutenant Governor’s office, which confirmed this development to ABC4. Axson noted that the party’s success would now hinge on the outcome of the Proposition 4 question, which they are still pursuing through an initiative process.
In discussing the party’s decision, Axson stated, “If we had engaged in something that had no justification in its own success or likelihood to succeed, that’s just a waste of time and energy and money.” He added that clarity and transparency with Utahns were crucial. The party’s dual efforts to address Proposition 4 and Map C began just before the court hearings on the redistricting map, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The lack of a signature-gathering campaign marks a significant turn in Utah’s ongoing struggle over congressional districting, particularly as the state prepares for the 2026 midterm elections. Without a valid referendum, the legality of Map C will depend on the ruling of Third District Judge Dianna Gibson.
The Republican Party’s initiative to repeal Proposition 4 remains active, with plans to gather signatures until February 15, 2024. If successful, voters will have the chance to decide on the repeal during the November 2026 election. If Proposition 4 is repealed, lawmakers will likely need to create a new congressional map for the 2028 elections.
This evolving saga reflects the complexities of legislative processes and the ongoing debates surrounding fair representation in Utah. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on how these legal and political efforts shape the state’s electoral landscape in the coming years.
