Epstein’s Lawyer Goes

Peterson, a registered Republican serving as Alaska’s natural resources attorney, was nominated by Donald Trump to a federal judgeship. His confirmation fills one of the longest-vacant seats in the U.S. federal court system, left open after Tim Burgess retired in late 2021.

The Senate vote was contentious. Thirty-nine Democrats opposed the nomination in an effort to slow the president’s broader judicial agenda, but their resistance ultimately fell short.

In a notable bipartisan development, six Democrats broke ranks and supported the nominee. Among them was Dick Durbin, the senior Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Legal scholar Carl Tobias of the University of Richmond observed that the vote did not strictly follow party lines. He suggested that some Democrats signaled a willingness to confirm nominees they viewed as qualified and capable.

During his confirmation hearings, Peterson declined to share personal views on whether Trump lost the 2020 election or on legal issues related to January 6. He explained that, as a potential judge, he might be required to rule impartially on related matters in the future.

His measured responses were seen by supporters as strategically sound, helping him avoid controversy while reinforcing his commitment to judicial neutrality.

Dan Sullivan played a key role in advancing the nomination. Sullivan formed a special review committee to evaluate Peterson’s candidacy and submit it directly to the White House, bypassing the traditional process that typically involves recommendations from the Alaska Bar Association.