Eric Holder Statement on Utah Republicans’ Failed Attempt to Repeal Redistricting Reforms

Washington, D.C. — Today, Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement in response to Utah Republicans failing to meet the signature threshold for a ballot measure that would repeal the state’s independent redistricting reforms:

“This latest victory demonstrates the power we—the people—have to fight back against anti-democracy efforts to undermine our rights. For eight years, Utahns have fought legislators to enforce the redistricting reforms the people enacted—and they have won at every turn. When legislators enacted an egregious gerrymander in defiance of the state constitution, citizens took them to court and prevailed. When legislators then tried to reverse the reforms voters fought for, the people stopped them. When Republicans here asked them to support an anti-democracy ballot initiative they refused. It is because of their tenacity that Utahns will be able to vote on a fair congressional map in November. Other states that are considering mid-decade gerrymanders against their citizens should take note that the people will not support their authoritarian efforts. The people demand fairness.” 

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