UTAH REPUBLICANS MEET SIGNATURE THRESHOLD FOR BALLOT MEASURE TO REPEAL INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Oral arguments are made from parties in Utah’s latest congressional maps process during day two of testimony, before Judge Dianna Gibson in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.
By Brian Freeman | Monday, February 16, 2026
Utah Republicans have secured enough signatures to place a ballot initiative before voters in November that would repeal the state’s independent redistricting commission, party officials confirmed.
The initiative, known as Utahns for Representative Government, surpassed the required threshold ahead of Sunday evening’s filing deadline. Robert Axson, who is organizing the repeal effort, stated they have submitted over 200,000 signatures.
State officials will have until March 7 to verify the signatures. If certified, the measure will appear on the November ballot.
The initiative seeks to overturn Proposition 4, which narrowly passed with just over 50% of the vote in 2018. That measure established a seven-member independent commission tasked with drawing and recommending legislative and congressional maps to state lawmakers to address partisan gerrymandering concerns.
Republicans contend that redistricting authority should rest more directly with elected representatives rather than an independent body. The repeal campaign is unfolding as the GOP simultaneously challenges a court-ordered congressional map that Democrats view as a potential pickup opportunity in November.
The court-drawn map, currently under legal challenge at both state and federal levels, could affect whether Republicans maintain control of all four Utah congressional seats.
The outcome carries broader national implications as both parties prepare for an intense battle over control of the U.S. House.
President Trump recently endorsed the repeal initiative, stating: “Utahns deserve maps drawn by those they elect, not rogue judges or leftwing activists who never faced the voters.”
Supporters of Proposition 4 have argued that the independent commission was designed to increase transparency and fairness in the redistricting process. Opponents contend the system has led to judicial intervention and diluted legislative authority.
