Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen faces a state investigation over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a lawyer who argued a key redistricting case, raising alarms about judicial integrity and potential election interference.
Story Highlights
- Gov. Spencer Cox and Republican leaders launched an independent probe into Justice Diana Hagen after the Judicial Conduct Commission dropped its review.
- Allegations stem from Hagen’s ex-husband, who claimed she exchanged suggestive texts with attorney David Reymann during a politically charged redistricting lawsuit.
- Reymann represented plaintiffs who challenged Utah’s GOP-led legislature’s redistricting efforts, resulting in a new congressional map.
- Both Hagen and Reymann deny any improper relationship, but state leaders cite unresolved questions to restore public trust in courts.
Allegations Surface from Divorce Proceedings
Tobin Hagen, ex-husband of Justice Diana Hagen, filed a complaint in late 2024 with Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the Judicial Conduct Commission. He alleged discovering inappropriate text messages between Hagen and attorney David Reymann. These exchanges reportedly began as “silly” but grew suggestive. The couple socialized with Reymann in November and December 2024, shortly after Hagen authored an opinion striking down Utah’s legislative redistricting override of a ballot measure banning partisan gerrymandering.
Judicial Conduct Commission Closes Preliminary Review
The Judicial Conduct Commission interviewed Tobin Hagen but found insufficient evidence to proceed, deeming further steps intrusive. Hagen reported the allegations herself and submitted a sworn statement. She met Reymann publicly in March 2025 to catch up and recused herself from his cases that year. Reymann, who does legal work for media outlets, called the claims false. The Hagens divorced in April 2025.
GOP Leaders Launch Independent Investigation
Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT), Senate President Stuart Adams, and House Speaker Mike Schultz announced the probe after the commission’s decision. They stated an initial review left key questions unresolved and emphasized maintaining trust in institutions. This action reflects broader conservative concerns over judicial impartiality, especially in election-related matters that could undermine Republican efforts to secure fair maps and protect voter integrity.
The redistricting case involved Reymann representing plaintiffs against the GOP-controlled legislature’s map changes. Hagen’s court role in that decision now draws scrutiny, highlighting risks when personal ties intersect with politically sensitive rulings. Both sides deny wrongdoing, but the probe tests commitments to limited government and accountability.
Utah Supreme Court Justice Allegedly Caught Having an 'Inappropriate' Relationship With Leftist Attorney Who Helped Dems Steal a Congressional Seat | The Gateway Pundit | by Cullen Linebarger https://t.co/sER70GiYoF
— Brian Baker (@Brian_D_Baker) April 17, 2026
Implications for Judicial Ethics and Public Trust
This investigation underscores frustrations shared across political lines: government officials prioritizing personal or elite interests over public duty. Conservatives see threats to America First principles in potential judicial biases favoring leftist challenges to GOP maps. Liberals may decry perceived overreach, yet both demand transparency. Outcomes could reshape recusal standards and reinforce founding ideals of impartial justice, vital as President Trump’s administration battles deep state obstructions in 2026.
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Utah justice under state GOP investigation for alleged relationship
Utah leaders to probe relationship between Supreme Court justice …
