A political firestorm erupted in Utah as Governor Spencer Cox and legislative leaders ordered an independent investigation into a state Supreme Court justice. The probe centers on Justice Diana Hagen, appointed by the governor himself, and allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an attorney involved in a fiercely contested redistricting case.
The accusations stem from a complaint filed by Hagen’s ex-husband, who claims she exchanged “inappropriate” text messages with David Reymann, an attorney representing progressive voting rights groups. Reymann played a key role in challenging a Republican-drawn congressional map, a map designed to secure the party’s dominance in the state.
Justice Hagen was part of the unanimous court decision that ultimately struck down the Republican redistricting plan in July 2024. This ruling dramatically altered the political landscape, flipping one congressional seat from red to blue, a change poised to impact the 2026 midterm elections.
Both Hagen and Reymann vehemently deny the allegations. The initial review was conducted by the Judicial Conduct Commission, an independent body tasked with overseeing judicial ethics, but they opted not to pursue the matter further after a preliminary investigation.
Despite the Commission’s decision, concerns lingered, prompting the governor and top lawmakers to launch a new, independent inquiry. Hagen released a statement asserting she never had a conflict of interest, highlighting her voluntary recusal from any cases involving Reymann beginning in May 2025.
She detailed proactively reporting the allegations to the Judicial Conduct Commission and providing a sworn statement. The Commission, after reviewing the evidence, dismissed the complaint and closed the case, a fact Hagen emphasized in her public response.
Records indicate the divorce proceedings between Hagen and her husband began in September 2024, with interactions involving Reymann occurring later that year. A one-on-one meeting between Hagen and Reymann didn’t take place until 2025, according to reports from the Commission’s investigation.
The decision to initiate a new investigation underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential damage to public trust. Officials stated the need for “transparency and accountability” is paramount, particularly given the highly charged nature of the redistricting case and its implications for future elections.
The core issue isn’t simply about a potential relationship, but about the perception of fairness and impartiality within the state’s highest court. The investigation aims to definitively establish the facts and restore confidence in the judicial process, especially as Utah heads towards a pivotal midterm election cycle.
