Summary (tl;dr)

Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigned on May 8, 2026, following allegations of an improper relationship with an attorney involved in a high-profile redistricting case she had ruled on, despite a prior investigation finding no misconduct.

Essential Background

Diana Hagen served as a Justice on the Utah Supreme Court from 2022 to 2026, after previously serving on the Utah Court of Appeals. During her tenure on the Supreme Court, she was involved in a significant redistricting case, where she authored a unanimous ruling in October 2024 that overturned the Amendment D ballot measure, a decision that garnered criticism from some Republican factions. She later recused herself from all cases involving David Reymann, the attorney in question, in May 2025.

The Full Story

On May 8, 2026, Justice Diana Hagen tendered her immediate resignation from the Utah Supreme Court to Governor Spencer Cox. This decision came amidst intense scrutiny and the announcement of an independent investigation by prominent Republican leaders, including Governor Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, into allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Hagen and David Reymann, an attorney who had argued in the high-profile redistricting case before the court. Although the state's Judicial Conduct Commission had previously investigated these claims and determined them to be without merit, Republican leaders pushed for a further investigation. Hagen, while denying any wrongdoing and affirming her commitment to her oath and ethical duties, cited the desire to protect her family's privacy and ensure the effective functioning and independence of the Utah judiciary as reasons for her resignation.

Why It Matters

Justice Hagen's resignation is a significant development, raising concerns about the independence of the judiciary. Legal experts and the executive director of the Utah State Bar have voiced worries that this situation could deter judges from making decisions that are unpopular with political parties. The event underscores the considerable pressure public officials face and how personal allegations, even when officially dismissed, can impact their ability to continue in public service. Hagen was also slated for a retention election in November 2026, which her resignation now bypasses. The vacancy created on the Utah Supreme Court will necessitate a new appointment process.

Geographic Location

• Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States (Justice Diana Hagen submitted her resignation letter to Governor Spencer Cox and the Utah Supreme Court is based)
• Utah, United States (state where the redistricting case and subsequent political investigation occurred)