Lombardo Appoints Longtime Prosecutor to Vacant District Court Seat

Peter Thunell will fill the Department 26 seat vacated by District Judge Gloria Sturman's retirement.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:33pm

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Gov. Joe Lombardo has appointed longtime prosecutor Peter Thunell to fill a vacancy on the Clark County District Court. Thunell, who has served as team chief of the special victims' unit at the district attorney's office, will take the bench in two weeks and hear civil cases.

Why it matters

Thunell's appointment to the District Court bench is seen as a move to bolster public safety and victim advocacy in the Nevada judicial system, given his extensive experience prosecuting cases involving child abuse and sexual assault.

The details

Thunell, 50, has spent the past 18 years as a prosecutor in the Clark County District Attorney's Office, where he has led the special victims' unit. Prior to his legal career, he worked in print journalism. Thunell must win a June primary and the November general election to retain the seat.

  • Thunell will officially take the bench in two weeks.
  • Thunell must win a June primary and the November general election to hold onto the seat.

The players

Peter Thunell

A 50-year-old chief deputy district attorney who has served as team chief of the special victims' unit in the Clark County District Attorney's Office for the past 18 years.

Gov. Joe Lombardo

The governor of Nevada who appointed Thunell to the vacant District Court seat.

Gloria Sturman

The District Court judge who recently retired, leaving the Department 26 seat vacant.

Steve Wolfson

The Clark County District Attorney who praised Thunell as an "outstanding prosecutor and leader" who is "exceptionally well qualified to serve on the District Court bench."

Jessica Goodey

A Las Vegas Justice of the Peace who is also running for the District Court seat.

Daniel Hooge

A State Bar of Nevada Counsel who is also running for the District Court seat.

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What they’re saying

“Peter Thunell has spent the past 18 years as a dedicated public servant pursuing justice and protecting victims in our communities. His courtroom experience, leadership within the District Attorney's Office, and commitment to public safety make him well qualified to serve the people of Nevada on the bench.”

— Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada (reviewjournal.com)

“His experience in the courtroom, his respect for the law, and his commitment to doing justice the right way make him exceptionally well qualified to serve on the District Court bench. While we will miss his leadership in the District Attorney's Office, I have no doubt he will serve the people of Clark County with fairness, integrity, and professionalism.”

— Steve Wolfson, Clark County District Attorney (reviewjournal.com)

What’s next

Thunell must win a June primary and the November general election in order to hold onto the District Court seat.

The takeaway

Thunell's appointment to the District Court bench is seen as a move to strengthen the Nevada judicial system's focus on public safety and victim advocacy, given his extensive experience prosecuting cases involving child abuse and sexual assault.