A Judge Who Knows the Streets
If you want a judge who knows what it looks like when a predator preys on a victim, you want someone who has spent nearly two decades putting those predators away. That is exactly what Governor Joe Lombardo gave Clark County when he appointed Peter Thunell to the Eighth Judicial District Court, Department 26, on March 12, 2026.
Thunell fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Gloria Sturman. He comes from the Clark County District Attorney's Office, where he rose to Chief Deputy District Attorney and led the Special Victims Unit. That is the unit that handles some of the hardest cases in the criminal justice system, crimes against children and vulnerable adults.
Governor Lombardo did not mince words about why he made this pick.
“Peter Thunell has spent the past 18 years as a dedicated public servant pursuing justice and protecting victims in our communities,” said Governor Lombardo.
“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.”
Who Is Peter Thunell?
Thunell is not a courthouse newcomer. He has participated in nearly 50 jury trials throughout his career. That is the kind of number that tells you a lot. Thunell has delivered verdicts for the people of Clark County.
His resume inside the DA's office reads like a tour of the toughest corners of the legal system. He served as Team Chief for the Special Victims Unit. He led a general litigation unit handling prosecutions across six local courts. He ran the Outlying Team, covering cases in communities outside of Las Vegas. He oversaw VICE prosecutions and worked in the Case Assessment and Gang Units.
Before joining the DA's office, Thunell clerked at a law firm in Salt Lake City, then moved to Las Vegas, passed the Nevada Bar, and worked as an associate at Alverson, Taylor, Mortenson, and Sanders.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Brigham Young University and a law degree from the S.J. Quinney School of Law at the University of Utah. He and his wife Tammy, have raised four kids in Clark County. This is his community.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
If you believe the courts should protect people rather than coddle criminals, this appointment is good news. Conservatives have long argued that judicial appointments are among the most consequential decisions any governor makes. A bad judge can unwind good policy for decades. A good one can hold the line.
Thunell spent his career as a prosecutor. His background in the Special Victims Unit means he understands that the justice system exists, first and foremost, to protect the innocent. Limited government does not mean soft-on-crime government. It means government focused on its core job. And one of those core jobs is a fair, functioning court system where justice is administered without favor.
Thunell put it plainly himself, saying:
“As the District Court Judge in Department 26 I will strive to ensure every person who enters my courtroom feels that they have had an opportunity to be heard.”
That is the standard conservatives should want every judge to meet: fairness, not politics.
What Comes Next
Thunell's appointment is effective immediately. He will serve until the next general election, at which point he will need to run for the seat if he wants to keep it. Nevada elects its district court judges in nonpartisan races, so voters of all stripes will weigh in.
That makes this a good moment for conservatives in Clark County to pay attention. Judicial elections are often decided by name recognition and low voter turnout. The voters who show up decide who sits on the bench. If you like what you see in Peter Thunell, make a note. When his name appears on the ballot, do not leave that line blank.
Governor Lombardo continues to build a record of appointing experienced, qualified candidates to the bench. That track record is worth remembering as his own re-election race takes shape heading into November.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
