Alaska voters in the Third Judicial District rejected two state judges in retention elections by wide margins, according to initial results released on Tuesday. Kenai Superior Court Judge Kelly Lawson and Kenai District Court Judge Martin Fallon both faced retention votes in the 2026 midterm election.
Lawson, who was appointed to the bench in 2023, received 58% of “no” votes, with 41.8% voting “yes” – a 16-point margin, or 19,939 vote split. Fallon, appointed in 2019, received 59% of “no” votes and 40.9% “yes” votes – a roughly 18% margin, or 21,853 vote split.
The Alaska Judicial Council, which is responsible for vetting and nominating judges, recommended voters not to retain both judges. The council found Lawson did not meet performance standards for judicial temperament and integrity, and Fallon did not meet standards related to integrity, diligence, and administrative skills, including failing to resolve cases in a timely manner.
If the results hold, both judges will step down from the bench at the end of February, 90 days after the election results are certified. The vacancies will be filled by retired judges serving as pro tem judges, according to Rebecca Koford, a spokesperson for the Alaska Court System.
Lawson and Fallon did not respond to questions from the Alaska Beacon about the results and their opinions of the council’s recommendation not to retain them.
The council will interview and nominate applicants for the two judicial vacancies at its next meeting in May. The nominees will then advance to the new governor to make appointments for two new judges.
