Mandy
President Trump has officially nominated three Kansas legal professionals to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, filling key vacancies on the federal bench. The announcement was made Wednesday evening through several posts on Truth Social, highlighting a lawyer, a former appellate judge, and the current leader of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
Who Are The Kansas Nominees?
The individuals selected for nomination include:
- Tony Mattivi, Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation
- Anthony Powell, former judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals
- Jeffrey Kuhlman, partner at Watkins Calcara law firm
Each nominee brings extensive legal experience and professional credentials to the federal judiciary.
Tony Mattivi: From KBI Director To Federal Bench Nominee
Currently serving as the Director of the KBI, Tony Mattivi has previously worked as a federal prosecutor for 20 years. His long-standing background in law enforcement and federal prosecution has positioned him as a prominent figure in Kansas’ public safety landscape.
In a press release, Mattivi expressed pride in the KBI’s recent achievements, stating he was honored and humbled by the nomination. He emphasized his desire to continue serving the people of Kansas in a meaningful way if confirmed as a federal judge.
If the nomination is approved, the Kansas Attorney General would be responsible for appointing a new KBI director.
Anthony Powell: Experience From The Kansas Court Of Appeals
Anthony Powell previously served on the Kansas Court of Appeals, bringing judicial experience at the state appellate level.
His background on the appeals court provides him with a deep understanding of legal review processes, statutory interpretation, and judicial decision-making — skills essential for service on the U.S. District Court.
Jeffrey Kuhlman: Civil Litigation Specialist
Jeffrey Kuhlman is a partner at Watkins Calcara, where he specializes in civil litigation. His professional career has focused on representing clients in complex legal disputes, giving him substantial courtroom and case-management experience.
His nomination adds private-sector legal expertise to the group of candidates selected for federal judicial roles.
What Happens Next?
Following the nominations by President Trump, the candidates must go through the federal confirmation process before officially taking their positions.
If confirmed by the Senate, they will serve as judges for the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, handling federal cases across the state.
The potential appointment of these three individuals would significantly shape the federal judiciary in Kansas, influencing decisions on criminal, civil, and constitutional matters for years to come.
The nomination of Tony Mattivi, Anthony Powell, and Jeffrey Kuhlman marks an important development for the federal court system in Kansas. With backgrounds spanning federal prosecution, appellate judicial service, and civil litigation, each nominee brings a distinct legal perspective.
If confirmed, they will play a key role in interpreting federal law and overseeing significant legal matters across the state. Their appointments could also lead to leadership changes within the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, depending on the confirmation outcome.