Sullivan Lauds Nomination of Peterson to Alaska’s Federal Bench

WASHINGTON-Today, U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed President Donald Trump's announcement of his intent to nominate Aaron Christian Peterson to serve as a judge on the United States District Court for the District of Alaska.

"I congratulate Aaron Peterson on being nominated to serve on the federal bench for the District of Alaska. I also want to thank President Trump and his team for working closely with my office and putting forward this outstanding nominee today," said Sen. Sullivan. "Aaron has extensive legal experience 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. He also understands the principle that the job of a federal judge is to interpret the law, not to make policy. I'd like to thank each of the members of the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council, who worked with me to fully 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."

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 White House, which ultimately made the final decision.

Aaron Christian Peterson, of Eagle River, is a born-and-raised Alaskan and U.S. Air Force veteran who currently serves as senior assistant attorney general in the Alaska Department of Law's (DOL) Natural Resources Section, where he serves as primary litigation counsel on fisheries matters in which the State of Alaska has an interest. Previously, Peterson 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.

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