Justice Scandal EXPLODES — SHE’S OUT Over Shocking Allegations

Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigns amid explosive allegations of an improper relationship with a leftist lawyer challenging Republican redistricting maps, raising alarms about judicial integrity in a red state stronghold.[3][7][10]

Story Highlights

Justice Hagen quits effective immediately after her ex-husband accused her of sending “inappropriate” texts to attorney David Reymann, who fought GOP maps for progressive groups.[3][7]
Governor Spencer Cox and GOP leaders demanded deeper probe despite Judicial Conduct Commission dismissal, citing “serious questions” on her redistricting involvement.[1][3]
Hagen recused from Reymann cases in May 2025 after “renewing friendships,” but timing fuels conflict-of-interest concerns in politically charged lawsuit.[3][7]
Leaders dropped investigation post-resignation, calling matter “concluded,” while denying any affair.[1][3]

Allegations Surface from Ex-Husband Complaint

In December 2025, an attorney for Justice Diana Hagen’s ex-husband filed a formal complaint with Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the Judicial Conduct Commission. The complaint alleged Hagen sent inappropriate text messages to David Reymann, lead attorney for the League of Women Voters. Reymann challenged Utah’s Republican-friendly congressional maps that preserved four red seats. Texts reportedly shifted from “silly” to “more suggestive,” per records obtained by media outlets.[3][7][10]

Hagen and Reymann deny any affair or wrongdoing. Hagen stated her last involvement in the redistricting case ended in October 2024. She voluntarily recused from all Reymann-related cases in May 2025, a move reflected in the court’s September 15, 2025, opinion. The Utah Supreme Court confirmed her ex-husband’s allegations postdated her substantive role.[3][7]

Judicial Conduct Commission Dismisses but Leaders Push Back

The Judicial Conduct Commission, an independent body of lawmakers, judges, and citizens, investigated the December 2025 complaint. It conducted a preliminary review and dismissed the matter, choosing not to pursue formal action. No public texts or forensic evidence emerged to substantiate impropriety claims.[3][7]

Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President J. Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz, and Chief Justice Durrant issued a joint statement. They declared the allegations “raise serious questions” warranting further state investigation, despite the dismissal. This pressure mounted as details surfaced publicly.[1][3]

Resignation Letter Cites Family Privacy and Judicial Function

On May 8, 2026, Hagen submitted her resignation letter to Governor Cox, effective immediately. She expressed desire to continue serving but cited the investigation’s toll on her loved ones and the judiciary’s functioning. “I tender my immediate resignation to protect the privacy and well-being of those I care about,” she wrote.[1][3][10]

Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen has submitted her resignation to Gov. Spencer Cox (R) following allegations that she had an inappropriate relationship, which may have ultimately resulted in a redistricting map that benefited Democrats.https://t.co/1W2a0u7pjx

— Nancy Willing (@NancyWilling1) May 9, 2026

Governor Cox confirmed receipt and praised Hagen’s service. He announced plans to fill the vacancy soon. GOP leaders quickly followed with a statement deeming the Hagen matter “concluded,” dropping further probes into the specific allegations. They shifted focus to Judicial Conduct Commission reforms.[1][3]

Broader Implications for Judicial Ethics in Redistricting Fights

This scandal highlights vulnerabilities in state supreme courts handling partisan redistricting battles. Hagen’s alleged ties to a lawyer from progressive voting rights groups underscore risks to impartiality. Conservatives worry such conflicts erode trust in courts upholding GOP maps against leftist challenges. Nationally, ethics complaints spike in these cases, with over 90% dismissed absent hard evidence. Utah’s quick closure leaves questions lingering, demanding transparency like FOIA releases of JCC files.[3][7]

In a Trump-era push for accountability, red states like Utah must prioritize ironclad judicial ethics. Weak recusals or dismissed probes fuel perceptions of elite protectionism, undermining conservative victories at the ballot box. Full disclosure of texts and timelines remains key to restoring faith.[3][10]