Diana Hagan-David Lehman scandal: Five things to know about Utah Supreme Court justice’s sudden resignation

“As a public servant for twenty-six years, I am acutely aware that public service requires sacrifices,” Hagan wrote in his resignation letter. “I am willing to accept these sacrifices to earn the privilege of a position of public trust where I can do my part to uphold the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of every Utahn.”

She added: “I also understand that public officials are held to a higher standard and must accept greater public scrutiny and less privacy.”

Hagen’s ex-husband accused her of sending “inappropriate” text messages to attorney David Lehman, who is helping to fight the case. republican– Friendly redistricting preserves Utah’s four red congressional seats.

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David Lehman played a major role in Utah’s high-profile redistricting lawsuit, court documents and multiple media reports show. He represented voting rights groups challenging Republican-backed congressional maps in the Utah Supreme Court.

2. Allegations Emerging in Redistricting Litigation. The controversy came after allegations surfaced that Lehman and Judge Hagan exchanged personal information while Utah’s redistricting fight was ongoing.

Early reports cited by CBS News indicate that the relationship between Diana Hagen and David Lehman, an attorney for Pal Brown, one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys representing the League of Women Voters of Utah, was questioned by state lawmakers in April when she claimed the congressional maps proposed by Republicans were illegal.

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3. Hagen and Lehman have previously denied the allegations. April, utah supreme court A statement issued on Hagen’s behalf said she responded to her ex-husband’s allegations with “quick, careful and transparent steps.”

She said, “The last time I was involved in a redistricting case was in October 2024. I voluntarily recused myself from all cases involving Mr. Lehman in May 2025, and my recusal was reflected in the court’s September 15, 2025 League of Women Voters opinion.”

The Commission on Judicial Conduct, described on its website as an independent group of several state lawmakers, judges and members of the public, conducted a preliminary investigation based on the allegations and decided not to pursue the case further, according to KSL.

4. What are the political implications? The charges surfaced amid ongoing controversy over a congressional plan authorized by Utah courts that favors Democrats in heavily Republican districts. CBS News described it as a new tactic by the Trump administration to maintain the slim Republican control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The White House has been closely following the controversy since the allegations surfaced, looking into the ethics of ties between two important political parties in gerrymandering.

4. Hagen resigned pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. Hagen announced his resignation before any formal disciplinary decision was announced. The Utah Supreme Court and state judicial authorities have remained relatively restrained in public comments.

In her resignation letter, Hagan expressed her desire to remain on the bench.