The Utah Senate confirmed two new justices to the Utah Supreme Court on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, marking the conclusion of an era of significant change for the state's highest court, according to a September 17 report.
Senate members voted 26-2 to consent to the appointments of 5th District Judge Matthew Bell and civil litigator Michael Menssen. The confirmations follow a unanimous recommendation from the Senate Judicial Confirmation Committee on Monday.
Bell and Menssen were appointed to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Chief Justice Matthew Durrant and the resignation of former Justice Diana Hagen. While Democrats did not challenge the appointments, Senators Nate Blouin and Kathleen Riebe voted against both nominees.
Sen. Riebe cited a lack of diversity and a lack of women in the legislature and the state's highest court as reasons for her opposition. Following these appointments, the court's composition includes Associate Chief Justice Jill Pohlman and Justice Paige Petersen, who are now outnumbered by five men.
During their confirmation hearings, both nominees emphasized a judicial philosophy centered on originalism and textualism. Bell, a graduate of Brigham Young University who previously served as a 5th District Court judge, stated his duty is to uphold the constitution regardless of political pressure or public opinion.
Menssen, an attorney specializing in complex commercial and labor law and a graduate of the University of Virginia, described his role as a sacred responsibility to interpret the Constitution and state laws.
The recent confirmations complete a near-total overhaul of the Utah Supreme Court. This transition follows a legislative move to expand the court from five to seven seats and high turnover caused by the retirements of John Pearce and Matthew Durrant, as well as the resignation of Diana Hagen in May.
Governor Cox has appointed six of the seven justices currently serving on the state's highest court, with all new positions being filled within the last year.
