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

George Kelesis selected after challenges to previous nominee Sigal Chattah's eligibility

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 challenges to its first pick, Sigal Chattah, whose eligibility is now under review by an appeals court. 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 it does not expect a ruling in Chattah's favor.

Why it matters

The appointment of U.S. attorneys, the top federal prosecutors around the country, typically requires Senate confirmation, but the law does permit the U.S. attorney general to make temporary appointments. The Trump administration has faced challenges in getting its picks confirmed, with courts ruling that some appointees were serving illegally. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the executive and legislative branches over the appointment process.

The details

Last week, the White House announced its nomination of George Kelesis, a longtime criminal defense attorney in Nevada, to replace Sigal Chattah as the top federal prosecutor in the state. Chattah was appointed to the position last March, but her eligibility to serve is now under review by an appeals court. Chattah is one of several Trump nominees for U.S. attorney who was not confirmed and courts have determined cannot legally hold the job. Appointees in New Jersey and Virginia have recently left those jobs over similar eligibility questions, but another in California remains as the office's top prosecutor with a different title.

  • Last week, the White House announced its nomination of George Kelesis.
  • In September, 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.
  • Last week, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on Chattah's case 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 the top federal prosecutor in the state.

Sigal Chattah

An appointee to the position of top federal prosecutor in Nevada last March, whose eligibility to serve is now under review by an appeals court.

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.

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

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.