White House Names New Pick for Nevada Top Federal Prosecutor

Nomination comes after challenges to previous pick's eligibility to serve

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Trump administration has selected a new candidate, George Kelesis, for Nevada's top federal prosecutor position after issues with the eligibility of its previous nominee, Sigal Chattah, to serve in the role. Chattah's appointment is currently under review by an appeals court, and the White House's decision to nominate Kelesis suggests it does not expect a favorable ruling for Chattah.

Why it matters

The appointment of U.S. attorneys, the top federal prosecutors around the country, has been a contentious issue during the Trump administration, with several nominees facing challenges over their eligibility to serve. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the confirmation process for these key law enforcement positions.

The details

The White House announced the nomination of George Kelesis, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada, to replace Sigal Chattah, who was appointed to the position last March. Chattah's eligibility to serve is now under review by an appeals court, as several Trump nominees for U.S. attorney have been determined to be ineligible to hold the job. The administration's decision to tap Kelesis suggests it does not expect a favorable ruling for Chattah.

  • In September 2025, a lower-court judge ruled that Chattah is not validly serving in the role but allowed her to continue overseeing several cases while the appeal moved ahead.
  • The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on Chattah's case last week but has not issued a ruling.

The players

George Kelesis

A longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada who has been nominated by the Trump administration to replace Sigal Chattah as Nevada's top federal prosecutor.

Sigal Chattah

The current acting U.S. attorney in Nevada whose eligibility to serve in the role is under review by an appeals court.

Catherine Cortez Masto

A Democratic senator from Nevada who was staunchly opposed to Chattah's appointment and will conduct a "tough, thorough interview" with Kelesis.

Jacky Rosen

A Democratic senator from Nevada who was also opposed to Chattah's appointment.

Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who has maneuvered to keep appointees who do not have enough bipartisan support to win confirmation in their jobs longer than typically allowed.

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What they’re saying

“Chattah is validly serving as the acting U.S. attorney and can continue while Kelesis goes through the nomination process.”

— Tyler Anne Lee, Federal lawyer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Chattah to continue serving as acting U.S. attorney while Kelesis goes through the nomination process.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the Trump administration has faced in appointing U.S. attorneys who can win Senate confirmation, with several nominees deemed ineligible to serve in the role. The nomination of Kelesis suggests the White House does not expect a favorable ruling for Chattah, underscoring the political tensions surrounding these key law enforcement positions.