New Western District of Missouri judge nominated 

President Donald Trump has nominated an attorney in the Department of Justice (DOJ) to be the new judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Jesus Osete, the Trump administration’s Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, was nominated for the position Thursday. If confirmed, Osete would replace Judge David Gregory Kays, who will take senior status – a semi-retired role – in May 2027.

In recent Missouri politics, Osete supported the repeal of Kansas City’s ban on “conversion therapy” – counseling that encourages a biblical view of sexuality and gender – in May.

He also supports abortion regulations, denouncing Jackson County Judge Jerri Zhang’s ruling in June, which struck down dozens of the state’s protective abortion restrictions.

“He will always be a strong Defender of the Constitution,” Trump wrote of his nominee.

Osete studied at the University of Arizona for his undergraduate degree and Washington University for his law degree. Before law school, Osete worked for former Sen. John McCain. He also clerked for several judges of the Supreme Court of Missouri and served as general counsel to Jay Ashcroft, former Missouri secretary of state.

Osete was also the deputy attorney general and deputy solicitor general to the Missouri Attorney General’s Office under Sen. Eric Schmitt

Missouri’s two Republican senators – Schmitt and Josh Hawley – both strongly recommended and support Osete’s nomination, according to Trump.

“Jesus was a high performing attorney for me when I was Missouri AG,” Schmitt wrote on X. “He’s been doing a great job as the #2 at DOJ Civil Rights for Harmeet. He’s going to make an excellent judge. Missouri continues to lead the way on judges.”

Trump nominated 11 district court officials last week leading up to the midterm election Nov. 3. The next step for Osete is confirmation by a majority vote in the Senate, which is currently Republican led.

“I am grateful beyond measure,” Osete wrote in response to the nomination. “Thank you President Trump for this nomination. My family and I are grateful to hopefully return home to Kansas City. …

“I very much look forward to the confirmation process in the coming months.”