Peterson Confirmed as New Alaska Federal Judge

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today 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!"

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.

Sen. Sullivan solicited potential applications to fill vacancies on the court through the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council (AFJC), originally convened by Sullivan in 2023 to recommend candidates for federal judgeship vacancies. The council conducted thorough reviews and recommended applicants, including Peterson, to Sen. Sullivan, who then submitted his name, among others, to the President, who made the final decision.

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