Rep. Blake Moore Faces GOP Backlash Over Redistricting

Representative Blake Moore, a Republican from Utah, is currently involved in a contentious dispute with fellow party members who are accusing him of manipulating congressional maps to benefit Democrats.

Back in 2018, Moore endorsed Proposition 4, a measure aimed at curbing gerrymandering in the state. However, this initiative turned into a protracted struggle between Republicans and Democrats, resulting in a new, gerrymandered map that allegedly gives Democrats an additional blue seat in Salt Lake City, as noted by Politico.

Efforts to overturn this map in late March were unsuccessful for the Republicans, and now they are directing their frustration towards Moore, nicknaming him “Salt Lake Blake.” With midterm elections approaching, they are preparing for significant challenges ahead.

Don Guymon, chair of the Davis County Republican Party in Moore’s district, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “For many Republicans like me who have served in Congress and held leadership positions over the years, Proposition 4 is a slap in the face.” He added that constituents are worried and hinted at accountability implications for Moore.

In 2017, Moore co-chaired the Better Boundaries group, which advocated for the establishment of an independent redistricting advisory commission, a move that was backed by Proposition 4, ultimately passing.

However, Republicans encountered setbacks in 2025 when District Judge Deanna Gibson ruled that they didn’t adhere to new protocols while attempting to redraw the congressional map, which aimed to create four secure red districts. Gibson opted for a different map that included a new blue seat in Salt Lake County.

Attempts to revoke Proposition 4 were made, but they fell short as Republicans couldn’t gather sufficient signatures, despite support from former President Donald Trump and conservative activist group Turning Point Action.

Former state Representative Karianne Lisonbee, who is vying for Moore’s position, questioned, “What’s the point of being in a leadership position when Blake made it easier for Democrats to win the House?”

Turning Point Action COO Tyler Bowyer remarked, “The Salt Lake Break is to blame for this whole mess.” Meanwhile, Moore characterized the criticisms as a “self-serving attempt to put blame on me,” and expressed disapproval of Judge Gibson’s ruling, asserting, “I do not support the judge’s actions. She should have recognized that the state Legislature has the constitutional authority to complete the map.”