Trump Admin Nominates Longtime Las Vegas Lawyer George Kelesis for Nevada US Attorney

Kelesis has bipartisan ties, unlike previous acting US attorney Sigal Chattah

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The White House has nominated longtime Las Vegas defense lawyer George Kelesis, 70, as its pick for U.S. attorney in Nevada. Kelesis, who has been a lawyer in Nevada for 45 years and is a partner at the Cook & Kelesis law firm, has ties to both the Democratic and Republican parties. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kelesis would become Nevada's top federal prosecutor, replacing Sigal Chattah who has served in an interim capacity and faced legal and ethical scrutiny.

Why it matters

The nomination of Kelesis, who has more bipartisan credentials than Chattah, comes as the acting U.S. attorney's appointment has faced legal challenges. Kelesis' nomination must be approved by Nevada's Democratic Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto, who had vowed to block Chattah's nomination.

The details

Kelesis, a Las Vegas native, has had a decades-long career as a lawyer in the city, starting as an associate in the 1980s and later becoming a partner at several firms. He is known for his expertise in tax law, but has also handled corporate, commercial, and business formation cases. Kelesis currently chairs the Nevada Tax Commission, a position he was appointed to by Republican Governor Joe Lombardo in 2023. He has donated to candidates from both major parties over the years.

  • Kelesis was nominated by the White House in February 2026.
  • Chattah has served as acting U.S. attorney since March, but a federal judge ruled in September that her appointment was illegal, a decision that is pending appeal.

The players

George Kelesis

A 70-year-old longtime Las Vegas defense lawyer and partner at the Cook & Kelesis law firm, who has been nominated by the Trump administration to serve as U.S. attorney for Nevada.

Sigal Chattah

The former acting U.S. attorney for Nevada, whose appointment has faced legal and ethical scrutiny.

Jacky Rosen

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada who will have to approve Kelesis' nomination.

Catherine Cortez Masto

A Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada who will have to approve Kelesis' nomination.

Joe Lombardo

The Republican Governor of Nevada who appointed Kelesis to chair the Nevada Tax Commission in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“He'll be a great manager. He's so sensible.”

— Michael Cherry, Former law partner of Kelesis (The Nevada Independent)

What’s next

The U.S. Senate must confirm Kelesis' nomination before he can assume the role of U.S. attorney for Nevada. Depending on the outcome of the appeal regarding Chattah's appointment, she may be able to remain in the position temporarily while Kelesis goes through the confirmation process.

The takeaway

Kelesis' nomination represents a shift from the previous acting U.S. attorney, Sigal Chattah, whose appointment faced legal challenges. Kelesis' bipartisan credentials and experience may help him navigate the confirmation process and take on the role of Nevada's top federal prosecutor.