Third District Judge Dianna Gibson has granted the Utah Legislature the opportunity to appeal one of her rulings regarding the state's congressional map. This decision comes despite her previous criticisms of the Legislature's attorneys for not appealing earlier. Judge Gibson denied a request for a final judgment on the entire redistricting lawsuit but permitted a narrower appeal concerning her Aug. 25 ruling, which had preliminarily voided Utah's 2021 congressional map due to an unconstitutional process. The Aug. 25 ruling blocked the implementation of SB200, a law that replaced a voter-approved initiative establishing an independent redistricting process. Judge Gibson determined that this action violated the constitutional rights of Utah residents to reform their government. Depending on the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections, the ongoing redistricting lawsuit could significantly affect which party controls the U.S. House. In her ruling, Judge Gibson emphasized the public importance of the case, stating that it affects every Utah voter and congressional candidate. She highlighted the urgency of resolving these legal questions before the upcoming elections and indicated that delaying appellate review would prolong uncertainty about Utah's congressional elections. The judge noted that the Legislature's attorneys had multiple chances to appeal her previous rulings but failed to do so, raising questions about their strategy. She expressed frustration with the situation, stating that the court is tasked with navigating complex legal procedures while ensuring the timely resolution of critical issues. Judge Gibson's ruling allows the Utah Supreme Court to determine the legitimacy of the Legislature's appeal and clarify whether the Legislature holds exclusive authority over redistricting or if that power is shared with the citizens of Utah. The Supreme Court's decision will also address the constitutionality of the laws surrounding redistricting in the state.