Judge Joshua Kindred of the District of Alaska notified President Joe Biden on Wednesday that he will resign from his position on Monday. The reason behind this sudden resignation is unclear, and attempts to reach his chambers for comment on Friday were unsuccessful. Appointed by former President Donald Trump, Judge Kindred has served on the bench since early 2020.

Trump-Appointed Alaska Judge Abruptly Resigns : Impact on the Court

Alaska's federal judiciary comprises three district judge seats, and with Judge Kindred's departure, two of these will be vacant. The court also includes five senior judges and four magistrate judges, who will likely shoulder additional responsibilities until the vacancies are filled.

Judge Kindred's Background

Before his judicial appointment, Judge Kindred held positions as a regional solicitor and special assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Department of the Interior. He also served as environmental counsel for the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. Earlier in his career, he was an assistant district attorney and violent crimes supervisor in Anchorage and worked in private practice.

Trump-Appointed Alaska Judge Abruptly Resigns : Controversial Nomination

Judge Kindred's nomination was met with opposition from environmental groups such as the League of Conservation Voters and Defenders of Wildlife. The latter organization criticized him as "a career fossil fuel industry enabler."

Notable Rulings

In January, Judge Kindred dismissed a lawsuit challenging Donald Trump's eligibility to appear on Alaska's ballot for the 2024 presidential election. The plaintiff, John Anthony Castro, who was pursuing a long-shot campaign in the Republican presidential primary, was later convicted in a $15.5 million tax fraud scheme. Castro had filed similar lawsuits in other states.

Trump-Appointed Alaska Judge Abruptly Resigns : Political Reactions

The offices of Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, both Republicans, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Judge Kindred's abrupt resignation.