Who is Diana Hagen? Utah Supreme Court justice faces investigation over alleged relationship with lawyer in major redistricting case

Nillohit Bagchi | Apr 17, 2026, 23:01 IST
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Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen is under investigation over alleged ties to a lawyer linked to a major redistricting case. The controversy has sparked debate over judicial ethics, recusal standards, and public trust. Here is a closer look at her career, the allegations, and the growing backlash.
X/@LibsofTiktok | Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen is under investigation over alleged ties to a lawyer linked to a major redistricting case
Image credit : X/@LibsofTiktok | Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen is under investigation over alleged ties to a lawyer linked to a major redistricting case
Justice Diana Hagen, a long-serving figure in Utah’s legal system, is now at the centre of a growing controversy. The Utah Supreme Court justice is facing an independent investigation over allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a lawyer connected to a major redistricting case argued before the court. The claims have raised serious questions about judicial ethics, possible conflicts of interest, and public trust in high-profile rulings.

While Hagen has denied any wrongdoing and says she acted transparently, the situation has quickly gained national attention. Here’s a closer look at who she is, what the case involves, and why it matters.

Who is Diana Hagen?

Justice Diana Hagen has spent decades building a strong reputation in Utah’s legal system. Born in Ogden, she studied law at the University of Utah, graduating with top honours and earning a place in the prestigious Order of the Coif. Early in her career, she clerked for a federal judge before moving into private practice.
Her career took a major turn when she joined the US Attorney’s Office in Utah. Over the years, she rose through the ranks and became Appellate Chief, a role she held for nearly a decade. Later, she served as First Assistant US Attorney, making her one of the most senior federal prosecutors in the state.

Hagen has also been active outside the courtroom. She led several legal organisations, taught law students, and worked on community initiatives, including serving on the board of the Girl Scouts of Utah. Her work earned her multiple awards and recognition within the legal community.

The redistricting case that changed everything

The controversy centres on a major legal battle involving Utah’s political maps. The case, brought by groups including the League of Women Voters of Utah, challenged how the state handled voter approved redistricting reforms.

At the heart of the issue was Proposition 4, a 2018 initiative designed to limit partisan gerrymandering by creating an independent commission. In a key ruling, the Utah Supreme Court sided with the idea that lawmakers could not override such citizen driven reforms in a way that weakened them. The decision had real political impact. It led to further court involvement in drawing congressional districts, creating a map seen as more competitive than before.

Allegations of an inappropriate relationship

The current investigation focuses on claims that Hagen had an inappropriate romantic relationship with attorney David Reymann, whose firm represented parties connected to the redistricting case.

The allegations came from Hagen’s ex husband, Tobin Hagen. According to the complaint, he discovered messages between Hagen and Reymann during their divorce process. The messages were described as becoming increasingly personal over time.

However, both Hagen and Reymann have strongly denied any wrongdoing. Hagen stated that she remained faithful during her marriage and did not engage in any improper relationship before her separation. She also said she took steps to avoid conflicts, including recusing herself from cases involving Reymann in 2025.

Why is the investigation happening now?

The Judicial Conduct Commission reviewed the complaint but decided not to move forward, citing a lack of sufficient evidence and concerns about how intrusive a deeper investigation would be.

That decision did not end the matter. State leaders, including governor Spencer Cox and top lawmakers, announced an independent investigation. They said the situation raises serious concerns and needs a more thorough review to maintain public trust. Their stance reflects a broader worry that even the appearance of a conflict of interest can damage confidence in the courts.

The story quickly spread online and triggered strong reactions. One user on X said, “She should do the right thing and step down. Even the appearance of impropriety erodes trust in the courts.” Another wrote, “Remove her and retry the case. Clear conflict of interest.”

Some reactions went further, with one user saying, “Judges are out of control in our country. Are we ever going to fix this?” Others framed it as part of a bigger issue, questioning the integrity of institutions and calling for stricter accountability across public roles.

What happens next?

The investigation is still ongoing, and there is no clear timeline for when it will conclude. For now, Diana Hagen remains on the Utah Supreme Court but has stepped away from cases connected to Reymann. The outcome could have serious implications, not just for her career but also for how courts handle conflicts of interest in politically sensitive cases.

At a time when public trust in institutions is already under pressure, this case has become a flashpoint in the wider debate over ethics, transparency, and accountability in the judiciary.
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