Utah Supreme Court Justice Diana Hagen resigned from her position on Friday, May 8, 2026, following allegations that she exchanged inappropriate text messages with attorney David Reymann, who was involved in a redistricting case before the state's highest court. The resignation came amidst renewed pressure from Republican legislative leaders for a deeper investigation into the claims.
"We appreciate Justice Hagen’s resignation and her willingness to step aside in the best interest of the Institution." — Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, Utah Legislative Leaders.
The allegations against Justice Hagen first surfaced last year when her ex-husband, Tobin Hagen, filed a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Commission. Tobin Hagen claimed that the text messages between his then-wife and Reymann initially appeared harmless but gradually became more personal and inappropriate as their communication intensified during the deterioration of the Hagens' 30-year marriage. Both Justice Hagen and attorney Reymann had previously denied any allegations of a romantic relationship while Reymann was appearing before the Utah Supreme Court.
Following the initial complaint, the Judicial Conduct Commission conducted a preliminary investigation into the matter. However, the commission ultimately declined to pursue a deeper inquiry, dismissing some of the claims as misleading. This decision did not satisfy some Republican legislative leaders, including Senate President J. Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, who subsequently renewed their calls for additional investigation into Justice Hagen's conduct.
In the wake of Justice Hagen's resignation, Senate President Adams and House Speaker Schultz issued a joint statement, indicating that they now considered the matter resolved and would not pursue any further investigations into the allegations. "We appreciate Justice Hagen’s resignation and her willingness to step aside in the best interest of the Institution," the lawmakers stated, acknowledging the conclusion of the public controversy from their perspective.
Justice Hagen submitted her resignation letter to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. In her letter, she referenced the intense public scrutiny surrounding the dissolution of her marriage. She wrote, "As a public servant for twenty-six years, I am keenly aware that public service requires sacrifice." Hagen further articulated her concern for her family and friends, stating that they "did not choose public life" and should not be subjected to public scrutiny regarding the personal details connected to the end of her marriage. Governor Cox announced the resignation on Friday and expressed his gratitude for Justice Hagen's years of service to the state judiciary since her appointment to the Utah Supreme Court in 2022.
Court records and reports indicate a timeline of events leading up to the resignation. Justice Hagen reportedly requested a divorce from her husband in September 2024. Shortly thereafter, she began communicating with attorney Reymann on matters initially unrelated to court cases. Reymann was actively involved in significant litigation challenging Utah's congressional district maps, a case that sought to alter the maps which had maintained four Republican-leaning congressional seats following the state's redistricting process. Justice Hagen later recused herself from this specific redistricting case in 2025. Court records cited a recently "renewed friendship" with Reymann as the reason for her stepping aside from the case.
The resignation effectively brings to a close a period of public and political pressure on the Utah Supreme Court and Justice Hagen. It underscores the intense scrutiny faced by public officials, particularly those in the judiciary, regarding their personal conduct and potential conflicts of interest. The event also highlights the complex balance between a public servant's private life and the demands of maintaining public trust and the integrity of judicial institutions. The process involved a complaint from a private citizen, an initial review by a judicial ethics body, and subsequent pressure from legislative leaders, illustrating the multi-faceted avenues through which accountability can be sought in public office. The state will now begin the process of identifying and appointing a new justice to fill the vacancy on its highest court.
