Here’s what happened.
A major shake-up has hit the Utah Supreme Court after Justice Diana Hagen abruptly resigned following an ethics investigation tied to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an attorney involved in a politically charged redistricting lawsuit.
The resignation marks a stunning development in Utah’s judicial system and raises new questions about ethics, accountability, and public trust in one of the state’s most powerful institutions.
Justice Says Family Could No Longer Endure Public Scrutiny
In a resignation letter sent to Spencer Cox, Hagen said that while she accepted the sacrifices that come with public service, she could no longer allow her family and close friends to be dragged through painful personal matters.
After 26 years serving in the legal system, Hagen said she remained committed to defending the Constitution and protecting the rights of Utah citizens.
However, she explained that the intense attention surrounding the collapse of her 30-year marriage had become too much for those closest to her.
She said continuing to serve would require sacrificing both her family’s privacy and the effective functioning of Utah’s judiciary.
Her resignation took effect immediately.
Allegations Centered on Attorney in Redistricting Battle
The controversy began when Hagen’s former husband accused her of sending inappropriate text messages to attorney David Reymann.
Reymann worked with progressive voting-rights organizations challenging Utah’s congressional district map, which preserved all four of the state’s U.S. House seats under Republican control.
The lawsuit drew national attention because it targeted a district map widely supported by conservatives and designed to maintain GOP representation in Washington.
An attorney for Hagen’s ex-husband filed a complaint with Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the state’s judicial oversight commission.
Both Hagen and Reymann denied any wrongdoing.
Ethics Commission Declined to Pursue Formal Charges
The Utah Judicial Conduct Commission conducted a preliminary review of the allegations and chose not to move forward with formal disciplinary action.
In an earlier statement, Hagen said she took immediate and transparent steps to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
She said her last involvement in the redistricting case was in October 2024 and that she voluntarily recused herself from all matters involving Reymann beginning in May 2025.
Governor Cox Will Appoint a New Justice
Governor Cox now holds the responsibility of selecting Hagen’s replacement on Utah’s highest court.
The appointment will be closely watched by conservatives and legal observers, as the court plays a critical role in deciding constitutional questions, election disputes, and other major issues affecting the state.
Why This Story Matters
For many Americans, especially those concerned about judicial integrity, this case is a reminder that no public official is above scrutiny.
The controversy also underscores the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries and protecting public confidence in the courts.
As Utah moves forward, Governor Cox’s choice could shape the direction of the state’s legal system for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigned effective immediately.
- The resignation followed an ethics review involving allegations of an inappropriate relationship.
- The attorney at the center of the controversy worked on a redistricting lawsuit challenging Utah’s Republican-backed congressional map.
- The Judicial Conduct Commission declined to pursue formal charges.
- Governor Spencer Cox will appoint a replacement to the state’s highest court.
The unexpected resignation closes a dramatic chapter in Utah politics and leaves one of the state’s most influential judicial seats open at a pivotal moment.