Michael F. Kelly
AZ · Judge, Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two
Michael F. Kelly has been a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two, since 2023. Kelly was a deputy Pima County attorney from 2004 to 2009 and then worked in private law practice until 2023.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 6 records
Freedom Club PAC endorsed retaining him in the 2026 Court of Appeals election.
September 27, 2026
Source: azballot.org
Wrote an opinion upholding Payson’s repeal of local voter initiatives, finding Arizona’s Voter Protection Act did not bind the town council.
June 26, 2025
Source: appeals2.az.gov
Wrote an opinion reinstating claims over a failure to report suspected child sexual abuse, sending the case back for further proceedings.
March 21, 2025
Source: appeals2.az.gov
Wrote an opinion upholding an injunction against Cochise County’s planned full hand count of 2022 election ballots.
October 18, 2023
Source: appeals2.az.gov
Wrote a decision granting the Arizona Daily Star relief from a defamation suit after finding no evidence of actual malice.
May 25, 2023
Source: appeals2.az.gov
The State Bar listed him as a certified specialist in personal injury and wrongful death law.
March 18, 2020
Source: azbar.org
Track record — Impartiality
Impartiality · 1 favorable
Arizona’s judicial review commission found he met performance standards. Recent surveys rated legal ability and impartiality 100% acceptable or above.
September 27, 2026Favorable on Impartiality
Source: jpr.azcourts.gov
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 1 favorable
Arizona’s judicial review commission found he met performance standards. Recent surveys rated legal ability and impartiality 100% acceptable or above.
September 27, 2026Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: jpr.azcourts.gov
Past race Michael F. Kelly ran in:
- Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two Judge — Hon. Michael F. Kelly retention · November 3, 2026 · Pima County, Arizona · incumbent