Strong praise from US Sen. Dan Sullivan, Alaska House Rep. Jamie Allard
By SUZANNE DOWNING
Feb. 4, 2026 – The US Senate confirmed Aaron Christian Peterson of Eagle River as Alaska’s newest federal judge.
“Today, in a strong bipartisan vote, the Senate confirmed Alaska’s new federal judge, Aaron Peterson,” said Sen. Sullivan, noting Peterson’s background in criminal prosecution, natural resources law, and national security, adding that Peterson has shown a commitment to the rule of law and federalism.
Rep. Jamie Allard of Eagle River offered her congratulations: “I want to congratulate Aaron Peterson on his confirmation as Alaska’s newest federal judge. As someone who has served our country in the Air Force and dedicated his legal career to protecting Alaska’s resources and upholding the rule of law, Judge Peterson brings an impressive record of integrity and experience to the federal bench. Eagle River is proud to see one of our own take on this important responsibility.”
Peterson has built much of his career in Alaska’s legal system. Most recently, he served as senior assistant attorney general in the Alaska Department of Law’s Natural Resources Section, where he was the state’s primary litigation counsel on fisheries matters.
Before that, he worked in the Department of Law’s Office of Special Prosecutions from 2015 to 2019, handling statewide fish and wildlife crime cases. Peterson also served as an assistant district attorney in Anchorage from 2012 to 2015, prosecuting a wide range of criminal matters.
Peterson began his legal career clerking for Alaska Superior Court Judge Michael Spaan from 2010 to 2011.
A US Air Force veteran and born-and-raised Alaskan, Peterson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Sullivan introduced Peterson at his nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Nov. 19, 2025, and credited the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council for helping vet a pool of qualified candidates. The council, convened by Sullivan in 2023, reviews applicants and provides recommendations for federal judicial vacancies, though the final nomination is made by the president.
Sullivan congratulated Peterson and his family, saying he is confident Peterson will serve Alaska well on the U.S. District Court.
With Peterson’s confirmation, Alaska gains a new federal jurist with extensive experience in the state’s unique legal landscape, particularly in areas such as fisheries, natural resources, and federal law.
