Investigation into Utah Supreme Court Justice’s Alleged Relationship

Utah’s governor and legislative leaders have launched an inquiry into a possible relationship between Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen and the attorney who represented a case central to gerrymandering in the state.

Issues came to light when another attorney, Michael Worley, filed a motion in late December. According to KSL, Hagen’s ex-husband, Tobin Hagen, alleged that she exchanged “inappropriate” messages with David Layman, an attorney connected to the redistricting case that shaped Utah’s current congressional map. Worley stated he felt obligated to file the complaint, although Tobin had reservations. Reportedly, he learned of the messages in February 2025 but chose not to inform investigators.

Both Hagen and Layman have refuted the allegations. KSL mentioned that a preliminary investigation was conducted by the Judicial Conduct Commission, which included questioning Hagen’s ex-husband, though they did not pursue the matter further.

In a recent statement to KSL, Hagen noted that she had “voluntarily declined” to engage with Layman since May 2025. She asserted, “I have never acted under a conflict of interest in the performance of my judicial duties.” KSL further reported that she opted not to recuse herself from the redistricting case upon its return to court in September, though she has disqualified herself from other related lawsuits.

Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, and House Speaker Mike Schultz expressed to KSL that the preliminary review left many significant questions unanswered. They emphasized the need for a transparent and accountable follow-up to “establish the facts and maintain public trust.”

This coalition announced the intention to conduct an independent investigation, asserting it would be thorough and objective, crucial for sustaining confidence in public institutions.

Layman heads the Utah League of Women Voters, an organization focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The group opposes certain legislation like the SAVE Act and seeks to end problematic actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The case known as League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature concluded with a unanimous decision in July 2024, determining that Utah lawmakers had exceeded their authority in attempts to diminish the commission’s power to create new congressional maps—an initiative approved by voters through Proposition 4 in 2018. Schultz previously described the ruling as “one of the worst outcomes we’ve ever seen.”

Details regarding the timeline and specifics of the independent investigation prompted by Cox, Adams, and Schultz have not been disclosed in KSL’s report.