Attorney Michael Hughes announced today that he is a candidate for Marathon County Circuit Court Judge. Attorney Hughes is running to succeed Judge LaMont Jacobson who has filed a notice of non-candidacy, creating an open seat on the Circuit Court. The non-partisan election will be held on April 7, 2026.
“A judge must be fair and impartial, loyal to the Constitution, and committed to serving the community with integrity,” Hughes said. “Growing up in Wausau, I learned to work hard, do the right thing, and give back to my community. Those are the values my wife and I instill in our children. And those are the values I will bring to my work as a Circuit Court Judge.”
Attorney Hughes is a partner at Vechinski, Phelps and Hughes in Wausau. He has handled thousands of cases in courtrooms throughout Marathon County and Central Wisconsin for over 15 years. His extensive legal experience is broad and deep and includes homicide, sexual assault, truancy, work as a Guardian ad Litem representing the best interests of children, defending individuals and families against insurance companies, and in disputes where the State has taken property from landowners.
Well-respected in the legal profession and active in the community, Attorney Hughes currently serves as the President of the Marathon County Bar Association (the professional association of lawyers in the County). As Bar President, his leadership has focused on working collaboratively with Law Enforcement and other stakeholders to strengthen the criminal justice system. He volunteered as the Mock Trial Coach at Wausau East High School (2024) and Youth Soccer Coach at the Woodson YMCA (2023-2024). He is also on the board of the Wausau Noon Optimists.
A graduate of Wausau West High School, Attorney Hughes attended the University of Pittsburgh (BA, 2004) before earning his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School (JD, 2008). Attorney Hughes and his wife, Meghan, are the parents of 7-year old twins. The family lives in Wausau.
For more information, visit www.michaelhughesforjudge.com.
