Trump announces plans to fill Alaska’s third federal judge position, vacant for over two years

The Alaska federal judge seat has been vacant for over two years, since July 2024, when former federal judge Joshua Kindred resigned in disgrace following a judicial panel finding he sexually harassed and created a hostile work environment for his law clerks. 

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Reardon would become one of three federal judges in Alaska serving lifetime appointments. 

Reardon was one of a dozen candidates that expressed interest in the judgeship when U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski solicited applications last year. 

Reardon was appointed as chief magistrate judge for Alaska by Judge Sharon Gleason in September 2025. He is based in Anchorage and has served as a magistrate judge in Alaska since 2021, according to his resume. Magistrate judges are appointed by district court judges to four-year terms, and oversee a variety of judicial proceedings supporting the federal courts. They have many of the same powers as federal judges to hear criminal and civil cases. 

Over the last two years, Alaska’s two U.S. senators have been split about the selection process and who to nominate for the federal judgeship. In 2023 U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan created the Alaska Federal Judiciary Council to vet candidates for vacant federal judge positions, a special committee designed to serve as an alternative to the Alaska Bar Association’s traditional review process.  

Under longstanding Senate tradition, judge picks normally advance only with the assent of both home state senators.

On Wednesday, both of Alaska’s Republican senators issued statements of support for Reardon. 

“Kyle brings extensive knowledge of both our state and our court system to the federal bench, having served the District of Alaska as a federal prosecutor and U.S. Magistrate Judge, a position he has held in Alaska for the past five years,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski wrote.

“His extensive experience, professionalism, and judicial temperament make him exceptionally well-qualified for this role,” she said. “I thank the President for nominating Kyle and helping bring Alaska’s District Court back to full capacity.”

A spokesperson for Murkowski’s office said Wednesday she has recommended and advocated for Reardon since the beginning of Trump’s second term in 2025, but declined to give more information about the delay in his appointment.

Murkowski shared a list of candidates who expressed interest in the role with members of the Alaska Bar Association who weighed in on each in a survey. For Reardon, 21% of the 407 total respondents said he was qualified, well qualified or extremely well qualified. One percent said he was not qualified, and 75% responded “don’t know.”

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan also praised the nomination, but his office also did not respond to requests for comment on the delay on Wednesday.

“Kyle has a strong background of public service in the law and the military,” Sullivan wrote. “Kyle offers a wealth of legal experience, a deep understanding of the numerous federal laws that uniquely impact Alaska, and a commitment to the principle that a judge’s role is to interpret the law, not to write law. Lastly, I want to thank members of my Alaska Federal Judiciary Council for working to evaluate candidates, including Kyle, for this critically important role.”

Reardon’s resume details a long career in law before his magistrate appointment. Prior to serving as a magistrate judge, Reardon served as a federal prosecutor as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska Anchorage from 2014 to 2021, and for the Eastern District of California from 2007 to 2014. He served as a judge advocate for the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1999 to 2005, including as a military prosecutor and an advisor on legal matters related to the Bush administration’s Global War on Terror. He attended the University of Virginia School of Law. 

In his letter of interest, Reardon noted the state’s judicial vacancies, and his knowledge and experience working in Alaska’s federal court system.  

“The law is essential for ensuring a just, civil, and prosperous society. At this time, when confidence in the judiciary is at historic lows, it is critical that a district court judge be someone who has a demonstrated record of service and leadership; is respected in their community; and brings a seriousness and commitment of purpose to the position,” he wrote.

“Moreover, in light of the current judicial vacancies that exist within the District of Alaska, it is essential that the person who is nominated to the position have experience and familiarity with the federal courts so they can serve effectively from the moment of their confirmation. I believe I am that person.”

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