Ketchikan Superior Court Judge Katherine Lybrand seeks retention

Katherine Lybrand, appointed to Ketchikan Superior Court in 2022, is seeking voter retention as a Superior Court judge in the First Judicial District in November 2026.

Lybrand handles criminal, family, child welfare, and probate cases in Ketchikan and Petersburg. She said she works to ensure all parties feel heard regardless of whether they have an attorney.

"I was appointed to the Ketchikan superior court in 2022 and this is my first retention election," Lybrand said.

"I make every effort to ensure all parties leave the courtroom feeling heard and respected," she said.

The Alaska Judicial Council scheduled retention evaluation meetings for May 21-22, 2026, for judges eligible to stand for retention. Alaska superior court judges serve six-year terms and face voter retention elections.

Lybrand spent her legal career in public service, including roles as a law clerk, assistant attorney general, and assistant district attorney. She holds a law degree from the University of Maine School of Law.

"I have spent my entire legal career in public service, but my current service as a judge has been the most challenging and humbling work," Lybrand said.

"If retained, I will continue to work diligently to apply the law fairly, manage cases efficiently, and serve my community with professionalism and integrity," Lybrand said.