A judge has rejected the Utah Legislature’s choice for a new congressional map, instead choosing one that creates a Democrat-leaning district in Salt Lake County.

The possibly game-changing decision for Utah Democrats is the latest in a years-long legal battle over how lines are drawn in Utah for congressional districts.

Years ago, voters approved an initiative called Proposition 4 that made an independent redistricting commission.

The legislature then gutted that initiative of its power, which sparked a lawsuit from multiple groups accusing them of ignoring the will of voters and gerrymandering Democratic voters.

Judge Dianna Gibson agreed with plaintiffs earlier this year and ordered lawmakers to redraw the maps to properly follow Prop 4 ahead of next year’s midterm elections

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