In a landmark decision on Monday, a Utah judge dismissed a congressional map backed by Republicans in favor of a new version that introduces a Democratic-leaning district within the state. This ruling marks a significant shift in Utah’s political landscape.

Judge Dianna Gibson of the Third District ruled that the Republican-proposed map, which faced a deadline for finalization on Monday, “does not comply with Utah law,” according to a report by The Salt Lake Tribune. She criticized the map for being constructed using partisan data and labeled it as “extreme” gerrymandering.

The ruling favored a map proposed by the plaintiffs—comprising the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government. Their map redraws district boundaries by splitting Utah County into two districts and establishing a new district in the northern part of Salt Lake County. This decision paves the way for Utah’s first Democratic-leaning district in 25 years.

The League of Women Voters crafted their map following the guidelines of Proposition 4, a law passed in 2018 with the support of Utah voters. This legislation prohibits the use of partisan data in the creation of congressional maps.

Meanwhile, Utah Republicans are making moves to overturn Proposition 4 by gathering signatures for a repeal. Even if they secure the required 141,000 signatures, any potential repeal would be voted on next November, thus having no effect on the upcoming midterm elections.

Suzan DelBene, chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Gibson rejected a “partisan, gerrymandered map” and “reaffirmed that power should firmly belong to the people.”

“Utahns made it clear nearly seven years ago when they passed Prop 4: they want fair maps that reflect their communities,” DelBene said in a statement. “…Make no mistake: Across the country, Republicans are rigging congressional maps because they can’t defend their toxic record to gut health care and raise costs for families — all to deliver tax cuts to the wealthy and well-connected.”

Gibson’s ruling gave Utah Senate and House Democrats “a deep sense of hope and relief,” according to a joint statement shared early Tuesday morning.

“This is a win for every Utahn,” the statement reads. “We took an oath to serve the people of Utah, and fair representation is the truest measure of that promise.”

Utah’s redistricting battle comes months after President Trump ordered Republican-led states to redraw their congressional maps to ensure the GOP upholds the House majority next year. Texas was first to redraw its maps, with the GOP-led state legislature submitting the map to Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to sign into law in September.

California retaliated with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) push for a state measure that would redraw the Golden State’s maps and give the blue state as many as five more possible Democratic representatives. This measure, Proposition 50, was approved by voters on Nov. 4 as a counter to the Texas effort.

Caroline Vakil contributed.