A Utah Supreme Court justice suddenly resigned Friday to avoid a state investigation into allegations she maintained an improper relationship with a lawyer who argued cases before her bench—raising serious questions about judicial ethics, political pressure, and whether the truth will ever fully emerge.
Story Snapshot
- Justice Diana Hagen resigned immediately from the Utah Supreme Court on Friday, citing family privacy concerns after allegations surfaced about an inappropriate relationship with attorney David Reymann.
- Hagen’s ex-husband alleged she exchanged “suggestive” text messages with Reymann, who represented progressive groups challenging Utah’s Republican-drawn congressional map.
- The state’s Judicial Conduct Commission investigated and dismissed the complaint, but Governor Spencer Cox and legislative leaders demanded a deeper probe—pressure that ended the moment Hagen stepped down.
- Both Hagen and Reymann deny wrongdoing; Hagen voluntarily recused herself from Reymann-related cases starting May 2025, though critics question the timing and adequacy of that step.
Justice Hagen Steps Down Amid Relationship Allegations
Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen submitted her immediate resignation to Governor Spencer Cox on Friday, citing the need to protect her family’s privacy and the judiciary’s independence [1]. In her resignation letter, Hagen stated she had “faithfully upheld” her oath to the Constitution and ethical obligations of her office, but could no longer serve without “sacrificing the privacy and well-being of those I care about” [1]. The sudden departure came weeks after allegations emerged that she had maintained an improper relationship with attorney David Reymann, who represented the League of Women Voters in a high-profile case challenging Utah’s redistricting map [1].
Ex-Husband’s Claims and the Text Message Question
The core allegation originated from Hagen’s ex-husband, who claimed to have seen text messages between Hagen and Reymann that evolved from “silly” to “more suggestive” in nature [1]. A complaint submitted to the Judicial Conduct Commission in December 2025 alleged the two had engaged in an improper relationship around the time the marriage deteriorated [1]. However, no verbatim texts, timestamps, or forensic evidence have been publicly released to verify the ex-husband’s descriptions [3]. Both Hagen and Reymann explicitly denied any inappropriate relationship, with Hagen framing the resignation as an effort to shield her family from continued scrutiny related to her recent divorce [3].
Judicial Commission Dismisses Complaint, But State Leaders Push Back
The Judicial Conduct Commission, a constitutionally created body composed of lawmakers, judges, lawyers, and citizens, investigated the complaint and ultimately dismissed it, finding no basis to proceed [1]. Despite this dismissal, Governor Cox and legislative leaders—Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz—announced plans for an independent investigation in April 2026, suggesting the Commission had not taken the allegations seriously enough [3]. Cox indicated during a press conference he would consider voting “no” on Hagen’s retention election or supporting her impeachment depending on investigation results [3]. Yet within hours of Hagen’s resignation Friday, all three branches of government issued a joint statement declaring the matter “concluded” and announcing they would pursue no further investigations [1].
Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen has submitted her resignation to Gov. Spencer Cox (R) following allegations that she had an inappropriate relationship, which may have ultimately resulted in a redistricting map that benefited Democrats.https://t.co/1W2a0u7pjx
— Nancy Willing (@NancyWilling1) May 9, 2026
Recusal Timeline Raises Questions About Conflict Management
Hagen stated she voluntarily recused herself from all cases involving Reymann beginning in May 2025 after reconnecting with old friends, including him, in spring 2025 [3]. Her last involvement in the redistricting case itself was October 2024, predating the alleged renewed friendship [3]. However, critics question why the recusal came only after the friendship was renewed rather than being preemptively disclosed, and whether the timing adequately protected against potential influence during earlier phases of the high-stakes case [3]. The court issued a statement saying the complaint against Hagen should never have been released publicly, adding another layer of institutional tension [3].
Political Pressure and Judicial Independence Concerns
The Utah Republican Party launched a campaign at its April nominating convention to mobilize voters to reject Hagen and Justice Jill Pohlman in their upcoming November retention elections [3]. GOP Chair Rob Axson framed the push as demanding “constitutional restraint and accountability,” arguing that judges who disregard the Constitution have no business serving [3]. Conversely, judiciary advocates have characterized the state leaders’ investigation demands as a “coordinated political pressure campaign” designed to punish judges for redistricting decisions that challenged the Legislature’s map [3]. The resignation itself has muddied accountability: without a completed investigation or public findings, voters and citizens cannot assess whether the allegations held merit or whether resignation was an appropriate response to legitimate ethics concerns.
What Remains Unanswered
Critical questions linger without resolution. The specific text messages cited by Hagen’s ex-husband have never been publicly disclosed or independently verified [1]. No forensic analysis, phone records, or sworn testimony from the ex-husband has been released to substantiate or refute his claims [3]. The Judicial Conduct Commission’s full investigation file, including its rationale for dismissal, remains largely opaque to public scrutiny [1]. State leaders’ abrupt abandonment of their investigation demands immediately after Hagen’s resignation suggests either the allegations lacked credibility or political calculations shifted once she stepped down [3]. For conservatives concerned about judicial accountability and the integrity of the judicial process, the vacuum of transparency raises troubling concerns about whether ethics complaints are being adequately addressed or whether institutional pressure is being used to silence uncomfortable truths.
Sources:
[1] Utah Supreme Court justice resigns ahead of investigation into alleged relationship
[3] Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigns from bench after questions on relationships
