Peterson Confirmed as New Alaska Federal Judge

Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) on February 4, thanked his Senate colleagues for voting to confirm Aaron Christian Peterson, of Eagle River, Alaska, as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska. On November 19, 2025, Sen. Sullivan introduced Peterson at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Today, in a strong bipartisan vote, the Senate confirmed Alaska’s new federal judge, Aaron Peterson,” said Sen. Sullivan. “Aaron has extensive legal experience in our state spanning criminal prosecution, natural resources law, and national security. Throughout his career, which includes military service, Aaron has demonstrated a commitment to the rule of law and federalism. Aaron is a lifelong Alaskan and knows and understands our great state and the unique federal laws that impact us. I’m confident that he will be a great federal judge for our state. I’d like to thank each of the members of the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council, who worked with me to vet a number of well-qualified Alaska nominees, including Aaron. The council’s diligent work and input were invaluable in ensuring Alaskans are represented by jurists and citizens of the highest caliber. Congratulations to Aaron and to his family!”

Senator Lisa Murkowski also offered her congratulations after voting to confirm Peterson, saying: "I congratulate soon-to-be Judge Peterson and am pleased that we have finally filled one of Alaska's District Court vacancies. I look forward to Mr. Peterson hitting the ground running to help an overworked court, while working to address and reform the culture of abuse and low morale that has permeated the District Court for years. Mr. Peterson is a born-and-raised Alaskan with a strong record of legal practice in our state, including in natural resources and criminal and civil law, and his leadership will be invaluable to Alaska." She went on to say that they now will turn their focus to filling the remaining court vacancy as soon as possible.

Aaron Christian Peterson is a born-and-raised Alaskan and U.S. Air Force veteran who served as senior assistant attorney general in the Alaska Department of Law’s (DOL) Natural Resources Section, where he served as primary litigation counsel on fisheries matters in which the State of Alaska has an interest. Peterson also previously served as assistant attorney general in the DOL’s Office of Special Prosecutions from 2015 to 2019, prosecuting statewide fish and wildlife crimes. He also served as assistant district attorney in Anchorage from 2012 to 2015, where he handled a wide range of criminal cases. Peterson began his legal career clerking for Alaska Superior Court Judge Michael Spaan from 2010 to 2011. Peterson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and his Juris Doctor from the Gonzaga University School of Law.