Democratic Policies in Red States
There’s a noticeable shift where the Democratic Party is managing to implement more liberal policies, even in predominantly Republican states. A weakened Republican Party tends to provide Democrats an opportunity to capitalize on political openings. Plus, it’s often the case that less formidable Republican governors appoint liberal judges, which then helps perpetuate left-leaning policies.
However, one wonders why impeachments of judges, which the founders of our nation saw as a crucial check on potential judicial misconduct, are not happening more frequently in these solidly red states.
Some might say Utah is now mirroring Virginia’s former political climate.
On February 20, 2026, the Utah Supreme Court made a ruling that effectively took away the state Legislature’s power to draw electoral maps, instead mandating the use of maps devised by liberal organizations. This decision was particularly significant as it managed to create a Democratic stronghold in the Salt Lake City area. The spotlight has shifted to Judge Diana Hagen, one of the justices involved in this ruling, who has come under fire for allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a prominent attorney challenging the legislative map.
The situation in Utah is, at least theoretically, fixable. Many federal judges are watching in dismay while they attempt to push back against legislation at the national level. Even though Republicans may struggle to muster a two-thirds majority to impeach a federal judge, in Utah, they enjoy a 22-6 majority in the Senate. So, it seems, it should be relatively straightforward for Hagen and her associates to face a reckoning.
Even with a dominant 61-14 majority in the Utah House, impeachment advocate Rep. Trevor Lee (R) mentioned on a podcast that there may only be 30 to 40 votes in favor of impeachment. Furthermore, only a few conservative senators might vote to convict Hagen. This hesitance among Republicans could stem from a belief that judges must commit egregious offenses before Congress should intervene, which seems a bit out of step with what the nation’s founders intended.
Interestingly, the reluctance to initiate impeachment processes appears to stem from the rise of political parties, which has complicated the effectiveness of government checks and balances. Instead of serving as a corrective mechanism, political factions often block impeachment efforts.
Many Republicans have the numbers to impeach corrupt judges in about 20 states. So, why is there a hesitation when judges are perceived to overstep on issues surrounding transgender rights, abortion, or elections?
There’s a common challenge in red states, where some judges in more liberal counties advocate for “restorative justice,” which sometimes leads to lenience toward dangerous criminals. A recent example from Florida shows this tension: a Leon County judge released a convicted sex offender on bail prior to sentencing, igniting public outrage and prompting Congress to pass a law aimed at curbing judges’ leniency in releasing certain offenders. Governor Ron DeSantis has openly criticized legislative leaders for not moving forward on impeachment for this judge, emphasizing the need to hold judges accountable.
Why is it that, despite similar judicial issues, DeSantis seems to be the only one advocating for impeachment measures?
Political power, essentially, is a matter of how it’s used or lost. If Democrats gain a foothold in traditionally red states, the landscape can change rapidly. With its newly created Democratic House seats, Utah is indeed looking a lot like Virginia did not long ago.
