Justice Diana Hagen of the Utah Supreme Court has resigned effective immediately, according to a spokesperson for Utah's Administrative Office of the Courts. The resignation comes amid an investigation into allegations that she exchanged inappropriate text messages with David Reymann, an attorney who worked on redistricting litigation challenging Republican-friendly maps in the state.
Hagen submitted her resignation letter to Gov. Spencer Cox, writing that while she would love to continue serving on the bench, she could not do so without sacrificing "the privacy and well-being of those I care about and the effective functioning and independence of Utah's judiciary."
The complaint against Hagen originated from her former husband, who alleged she sent inappropriate messages to Reymann. The attorney worked on behalf of progressive voting rights groups in a redistricting case that sought to overturn a map maintaining four red congressional seats in Utah.
What the Left Is Saying
Abortion rights and good government advocates have expressed concern about the judicial accountability process in this case. Progressives note that Hagen voluntarily recused herself from all cases involving Reymann in May 2025, with her recusal reflected in the court's September 15 opinion in League of Women Voters v. Draw One Utah Map.
Some progressive legal observers argue the resignation raises questions about how complaints against judges are handled. The Judicial Conduct Commission conducted a preliminary investigation and chose not to pursue the matter further before Hagen's resignation, according to KSL reporting.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative commentators have emphasized that public officials must be held to high standards. State Republican leaders have largely remained quiet on the specifics while acknowledging the seriousness of allegations involving judicial conduct.
Some conservative voices have argued that Hagen made the right decision in stepping down, noting that even unproven investigations can compromise public confidence in an impartial judiciary. The timing of her resignation, coming after the preliminary investigation concluded without further action, has led some to question whether additional information emerged.
What the Numbers Show
Hagen served as a Utah Supreme Court justice for approximately five years, having been appointed by former Gov. Gary Herbert in 2021. She had previously served as an appellate court judge and practiced law for more than two decades.
The Judicial Conduct Commission is described on its website as an independent body comprising state lawmakers, judges, and members of the public. According to the commission's procedures, preliminary investigations are conducted confidentially and do not necessarily result in formal charges or public disclosure.
The Bottom Line
Hagen's resignation creates a vacancy on Utah's highest court that Gov. Spencer Cox will need to fill. Her replacement could serve until the next general election, when voters would decide whether to retain the appointee or elect a new justice.
The case highlights the intersection of judicial conduct rules and personal allegations in state courts. While the preliminary investigation did not proceed further, Hagen's resignation letter suggested the process itself had taken a toll on her family. Cox's office has been contacted for comment on the timeline for naming a replacement.