State Democratic Party leadership criticized the Republican selections for the newly formed state independent redistricting committee.
A press release from the party referred to the members appointed by Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Brad Wilson as “politically-motivated.” Democratic Party Chair Jeff Merchant stated in the release that the appointment of former Congressman Rob Bishop and former state Senator Lyle Hillyard to the committee will “secure 10 years of maps that benefit state Republicans.”
In contrast, Merchant said the Democratic choices, which include former state Senator Pat Jones, show “clear commitments to diversity” in redistricting decisions.
Senate President Adams responded to the press release with a statement that he is “discouraged to see the Utah Democratic Party politicize, divide and resort to name-calling.” He said despite differing viewpoints, he applauds the selection of Jones for the committee and views her as a comparable appointment to Hillyard.