Federal 3-judge panel delivers massive blow to House Republicans

Republicans have been fighting the decision to add another congressional seat to the state of Utah after its population in Salt Lake City expanded significantly. The seat has been caught up in litigation for six years, with Republicans well aware that such a seat would likely be a Democratic one.

On Monday, federal judges refused to further block the new district, Fox12 reported.

A three-judge panel unanimously rejected demands from the lawyers, commissioners mayors, and Reps. Celeste Maloy and Burgess Owens to stop the new district.

"Because we conclude Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate a likelihood of success on the merits ... we DENY Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion," the ruling said.

The only way to stop the new blue seat from being added is if the U.S. Supreme Court steps in.

Elections lawyer Marc Elias cheered the ruling, posting on X, "Federal Court three-judge panel DENIES republican motion for a preliminary injunction to block Utah's new congressional map from going in to effect. The new map will stand for the 2026 midterms. Democrats will likely gain 1 seat!"

State Sen. Nate Blouin, a Democrat, is among those running for the state. In a post on X he wrote, "Done deal. Vote for blutah. Vote for Blouin."