Aaron Christian Peterson is one step closer to joining the federal bench in Alaska after the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination. In a party-line 14-8 vote on Thursday, the committee advanced Peterson’s nomination to the full Senate, which will hold the final confirmation vote later this year.
Federal judges in the United States differ from state judges in their selection process. Unlike Alaska’s state system, where a nonpartisan panel nominates judges based on merit, federal judges are nominated by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. This process is often highly political, though Peterson’s confirmation is not expected to face major obstacles, as the Republican Party holds the Senate majority.
Peterson was nominated in October by President Donald Trump, following vetting by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska. He was considered alongside six other prospective judges and federal prosecutors during Thursday’s committee meeting.
Peterson brings experience as a former attorney with Alaska’s Department of Law, specializing in natural resources, and has served as a prosecutor. He is also a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of the Federalist Society, a group that generally aligns with conservative legal principles and supports Republican judicial philosophies. Peterson is a registered Republican.
During the committee hearing, most discussion focused on other nominees, and Peterson faced minimal scrutiny. His confirmation hearing last month was similarly uneventful, signaling smooth progress through the committee stage.
Alaska currently has three federal judgeships, two of which are vacant. One vacancy occurred in 2024 when former Judge Joshua Kindred resigned following a sex-and-misconduct scandal. No nominations have yet been made for the other open seat.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he hopes to move more judicial nominations forward, though he is awaiting additional submissions from the president.
If confirmed, Peterson will fill one of Alaska’s vacant federal judgeships. The full Senate vote is expected before the end of the year, completing the final step in his appointment process.
With his confirmation, Peterson would join Alaska’s federal bench at a time when the state has been navigating multiple judicial vacancies. Observers note that his legal background in natural resources and prior prosecutorial work may play a key role in the types of cases he will oversee.
The Alaska Federal Judge Nominee’s path reflects the broader national process, where federal judicial appointments are heavily influenced by party politics and presidential nominations. While some nominees face intense opposition, Peterson’s confirmation appears to be proceeding with relative ease due to the current political alignment in the Senate.
Alaska residents and legal observers will watch the final Senate vote closely, as filling these federal judgeships is critical to maintaining timely access to the courts in the state. Peterson’s appointment could shape federal legal decisions in Alaska for years to come.