Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen is facing an investigation by state leaders over allegations involving a relationship with an attorney connected to a major redistricting case. The probe follows a complaint submitted last year regarding her conduct during ongoing litigation before the court.
Gov. Spencer Cox, Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz said they will move forward with an independent review. They cited concerns that the initial handling of the complaint left unresolved questions, KSL reported.
The allegations were outlined in a complaint submitted to Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the Judicial Conduct Commission. The complaint referenced claims that Hagen exchanged inappropriate messages with attorney David Reymann, who argued the redistricting case that handed Democrats another congressional seat.
The complaint was filed by attorney Michael Worley after he said he received the allegations from Hagen’s ex-husband, Tobin Hagen. Worley said he believed his professional obligations required him to report the information to authorities.
Worley said he had no independent knowledge of the claims beyond what he was told. He cited judicial conduct rules requiring judges to avoid both impropriety and the appearance of impropriety.
According to the complaint, Tobin Hagen alleged that text messages between the justice and Reymann became increasingly personal over time. He said the messages began as casual exchanges before becoming more suggestive.
Tobin Hagen told investigators he discovered the messages in early 2025. He did not provide copies of the messages to the Judicial Conduct Commission.
The commission conducted a preliminary review and interviewed Tobin Hagen as part of its process. It ultimately declined to pursue a full investigation, citing insufficient evidence.
Investigators said additional steps could have included interviewing Reymann and other individuals. They also noted that obtaining the alleged messages would have required subpoenas and further legal action.
In a joint statement, Cox, Adams and Schultz said the initial review did not fully resolve the concerns. “Allegations of this nature, especially involving public officials, must be examined with transparency and accountability,” they said.
They added that the new investigation would be conducted independently. “We will move forward with an independent investigation to ensure the facts are fully examined,” the statement said.
Hagen has denied the allegations of an improper relationship. She said she remained faithful during her marriage and did not engage in misconduct.
“I never operated under a conflict of interest while performing my judicial duties,” Hagen said in a statement. She said she took steps to address the situation once concerns were raised.
Hagen said she reported the matter herself to the Judicial Conduct Commission. She also submitted a sworn statement as part of the review process. Reymann also denied the allegations. He said the claims are false and do not reflect his conduct.
The case at the center of the allegations involved Utah’s congressional redistricting maps. In League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature, the court ruled that lawmakers overstepped by altering an anti-gerrymandering ballot measure.
The ruling was issued unanimously in July 2024. It led to Democrats gaining a congressional seat and prompted strong reactions from Republican lawmakers. The case later returned to the court on related legal challenges. Hagen recused herself from further proceedings involving Reymann in 2025.
She said the recusal followed renewed personal contact with Reymann and another attorney connected to the case. The disclosure was included in a filing explaining her decision to step aside.
A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Commission said its chair, who is connected to the law firm involved, also recused herself. The commission declined to comment further on the matter.
State leaders did not provide a timeline for the new investigation. They also did not specify who would conduct the review.
Hagen was appointed to the Utah Supreme Court in 2022 by Cox. She previously served on the Utah Court of Appeals and worked in private practice and federal prosecution.