Full Breakdown
Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen Resigns Amid Redistricting Allegations
5/9/2026, 7:02:58 AM
Resignation and Immediate Impact
On May 8 2026, Justice Diana Hagen submitted a letter to Governor Spencer Cox announcing her immediate resignation from the Utah Supreme Court. She expressed “deep sadness” and apologized for the disruption to the court and pending cases. Her departure creates a vacancy on the seven-member bench and removes her from the November retention election.
Background and Context
Her resignation follows a Judicial Conduct Commission complaint alleging an improper relationship with attorney David Reymann, who represented plaintiffs in Utah’s redistricting lawsuit that produced a congressional map in November 2025. The allegation came from Hagen’s ex-husband, Tobin Hagen, who cited text messages. Hagen denied any conflict, recused herself in May 2025, and called the claims false.
Timeline of Key Events
Oct 2024 – Hagen authored a unanimous opinion in the redistricting case; May 2025 – she recused herself; Apr 2026 – Gov. Cox, Senate President Adams and House Speaker Schultz announced an investigation; May 8 2026 – resignation.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Spencer Cox thanked Hagen and said the vacancy will be filled soon. Chief Justice Matthew Durrant called her a “valued member” and praised her career. Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said they appreciated her decision and will not pursue further investigation. The Utah State Bar expressed sadness and respect for Hagen’s career.
Criticism & Opposition
Robert Axson urged voters to remove Hagen and Justice Jill Pohlman in November retention election, calling the resignation a step toward constitutional restraint. Co-Equal Utah, a judicial-independence nonprofit, called episode a political pressure campaign that threatens judicial independence. Teneille Brown, Co-Equal’s president, said legislature “harassed a judge” and warned of chilling effect on future candidates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
State officials say the Judicial Conduct Commission dismissed the complaint as lacking credibility, while Republican leaders called the matter “very serious” and pursued an independent investigation. Findings remain confidential, leaving the public without full details of the inquiry or its basis for dismissal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is with deep sadness that I tender my immediate resignation as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court,” — Diana Hagen, Justice, Utah Supreme Court
- “When you sign up to be a judge in this state, you get held to a higher standard, period,” — Gov. Spencer Cox
- “The resignation of Diana Hagen is a positive step for those of us who have demanded greater constitutional restraint and accountability from Utah’s judiciary,” — Robert Axson, GOP Chair
- “The legislature got what they wanted.” — Teneille Brown, President, Co-Equal Utah
What's Next
Governor Cox must appoint three new justices by June, selecting from the 12 nominees submitted by the Appellate Judicial Nominating Commission. The joint statement from three branches pledges reforms to the Judicial Conduct Commission, and November retention election will determine whether the court’s composition changes.
