Skip to content
Elections Simplified

Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two Judge — Hon. Michael F. Kelly retention

Pima County, Arizona
Retention race

What does this office do?

  • Deciding trials in the county
  • Ruling on evidence and setting sentences in criminal cases
  • Deciding family, probate, and civil disputes

Affects: Public Safety and Crime Control, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, Housing Affordability,

Michael F. Kelly

Nonpartisan · Incumbent · Official site

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

Sources: apps.azsos.gov · jpr.azcourts.gov