White House names new pick for Nevada top federal prosecutor after confirmation trouble

The Trump administration has selected a new candidate for Nevada's top federal prosecutor after challenges to its first pick's eligibility.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The White House has announced the nomination of George Kelesis, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada, to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. This comes after the previous nominee, Sigal Chattah, faced eligibility issues and a court challenge. Chattah is one of several Trump nominees for U.S. attorney who was not confirmed and courts have determined cannot legally hold the job. The White House's decision to tap Kelesis indicates they do not expect a favorable ruling for Chattah in the ongoing appeal.

Why it matters

The appointment of U.S. attorneys has become a contentious political issue, with the Trump administration facing legal challenges over its attempts to install nominees without Senate confirmation. This case highlights the broader struggle over the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches when it comes to federal prosecutor appointments.

The details

Last week, the White House announced its nomination of George Kelesis, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada, to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. This comes after the previous nominee, Sigal Chattah, faced eligibility issues and a court challenge. A lower-court judge ruled in September that Chattah is not validly serving in the role, though she was allowed to continue overseeing several cases while the appeal moved ahead. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments last week but has not issued a ruling. The decision to tap Kelesis indicates the White House does not expect a ruling in Chattah's favor.

  • Last week, the White House announced its nomination of George Kelesis.
  • In September 2022, a lower-court judge ruled that Sigal Chattah is not validly serving as U.S. Attorney.
  • Last week, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on Chattah's appeal, but has not issued a ruling.

The players

George Kelesis

A longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada who has been nominated by the White House to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada.

Sigal Chattah

The previous nominee for U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada, whose eligibility to serve is now under review by an appeals court.

Catherine Cortez Masto

A Democratic senator from Nevada who was staunchly opposed to Chattah's appointment, calling her an extremist.

Jacky Rosen

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

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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 (Associated Press)

“Cortez Masto will conduct a 'tough, thorough interview with Kelesis'.”

— Lauren Wodarski, Spokesperson for Catherine Cortez Masto (Associated Press)

What’s next

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to issue a ruling on Sigal Chattah's appeal in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The ongoing legal battles over U.S. attorney appointments highlight the broader political tensions between the executive and legislative branches, as well as the challenges the Trump administration has faced in installing its preferred candidates in these key law enforcement roles.