Endorsements

“I’ve known Michael Hughes for over 15 years. He is a man of the highest integrity and a truly brilliant legal mind. He has a profound understanding of human nature and possesses the ability to balance compassion with accountability. These are essential attributes for any judge.

Additionally, as a career prosecutor, my role in the criminal justice system is first and foremost to promote public safety. Over the years, I have appeared in front of dozens of judges across Wisconsin and have seen firsthand the crucial role that they play in this process. Thinking about Michael as a legal professional, and as an individual, I cannot imagine a more capable and qualified person to take on this great responsibility. I know he will use his position as judge to promote the safety and security of all residents of Marathon County.

I am proud to endorse Michael Hughes for Marathon County Circuit Court Judge. He will rule with fairness, wisdom, and distinction.”

Cass Cousins
Portage County District Attorney

“I have witnessed Michael Hughes from his start as a young attorney starting his practice to a person I asked to take the most serious and difficult criminal cases I had before me. 

He treats every client with dignity and respect.  He is always well prepared and effective in his representation.  He has practiced in other areas of law and is especially in tune with Marathon County as he and his wife are raising their children in Wausau. 

I am confident he will make an excellent Judge for Marathon County.”

Nicholas J. Brazeau, Jr.
Wood County Circuit Court Judge, Branch II

“I have had the opportunity to experience Attorney Michael Hughes as opposing counsel during an emotional criminal jury trial. I can say without a doubt, based on working with Michael during that litigation as well as the jury trial itself, that he possesses the unique qualities of character that make him especially well suited to the judiciary.

As an attorney, Michael has, in my experience, embodied the sense of professionalism lauded by Ruth Bader Ginsburg who said “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you." To say that the case we litigated was challenging is an understatement, but Michael maintained patience, level-headedness, and always treated everyone with courtesy. Throughout, he remained dignified in demeanor and a respectful colleague.

His reputation among others with and against whom he has practiced reflects this as well. I cannot recommend him enough for the bench, he would be a sound choice.”


Kat R. Turner
Waupaca County District Attorney

"I’ve known Michael Hughes for more than 20 years and have found him to be smart, dedicated, and kind.

As an appellate judge, I believe that our communities are best served by circuit court judges who approach the difficult cases that come before them with an even-keeled demeanor and a commitment to fairness and the rule of law. 

Michael has all of the qualities that will make him a thoughtful and effective judge, and I am pleased to support his candidacy for the Marathon County Circuit Court.”

Rachel A. Graham
Presiding Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District IV

“I initially got to know Michael as a fellow attorney in Central Wisconsin.  I developed a deep admiration for his skills. 

Over the years, I have gotten to know him as a person and have learned he is a far better person than attorney. 

The citizens of Marathon County have a great option in Attorney Michael Hughes."

Troy Nielsen
Waupaca County Circuit Court Judge, Branch I

Judges and Attorneys

Judge Nicholas Brazeau, Jr.

Judge Paul Curran

Judge Jessica Fehrenbach

Judge Rachel Graham

Judge Louis J. Molepske, Jr.

Judge Troy Nielsen

Judge Emily Nolan-Plutchak

Judge Michael Zell

Wood County District Attorney Jonathan Barnett

Portage County District Attorney Cass Cousins

Forest County District Attorney Alex Seifert

Waupaca County District Attorney Katina Turner

Attorney Rachel Boaz

Attorney Christine Bremer-Muggli

Attorney Nick DeStefanis

Attorney Kate Drury

Attorney Sean Drury

Attorney Byll Hess

Attorney Paige Juel

Attorney Joseph Kaupie

Attorney David Knaapen

Attorney Jay Kronenwetter

Attorney Benjamin Kubisiak

Attorney Wright Laufenberg

Attorney Molly Lawrence

Attorney Cody Marschall

Attorney Aaron Nelson

Attorney Trevor Peterson

Attorney Jessica Phelps

Attorney Matthew Puthukulam

Attorney Adam Raabe

Attorney Anne Renc

Attorney Dylan Resch

Attorney Peter Rotter

Attorney Sarah Ruffi

Attorney Travis Slattery

Attorney Dean Strang

Attorney Ben Vechinski

Attorney John Wallace

Attorney Kathryn Yanke

Community Leaders

Joel Becker

Audrey Bittner

Jamie Bittner

Laurel Boyd

Patrick Bradley

Jennifer Bray

Katie Breitenmoser

Denise Brennecke

Scott Campbell

Kelly Campbell

Joan Cantlon

Sophia Clairmore

Glenn Coenen

James Cook

Lisa Cook

Dennis Cook

Mary Dahlen

Maureen Daniels

Bryce Dvorak

Jenna Eschenbauch

Robin Falkowski

Shanda Fitzgerald

Mike Fitzgerald

Cody Fox

Peter Gaffaney

Brent Gale

Kaylee Gransee

George Guyant

Jena Henry

Meghan Hughes

Cyndy Irvine

Tori Jennings

Lindsey Jensen

Dan Johnson

Samantha Jones

Tony Jordan

Ann Kaster

Ben Kaster

Susan Kerbal

Heidi Kleinschmidt

Kurt Kraimer

Shannon Kroenke

Melissa Laporte

Joyce Lohr

Rick Lohr

Sarah Ludeman

Katja Marquart

Rubina Martini

Jim McKnight

Andrew McNett

Daria Metzinger

Isaiah Miller

Ryan Pittsley

Kylie Morgan-Schreiber

Tony Nakhla

Meghan Negi

Chamomile Nusz

Patti Orthwein

Wayne Orthwein

Louise Pease

Tom Pease

Morgan Pease

Vada Perkins

Jane Peterson

Mervin Peterson

Tamas Peterson

Jordan Phelps

Lisa Robbins

Becci Roberts

Kathryn Rubino

Robert Rubino

John Robinson

Dwight Ruffi

Grayson Saari

Mathias Saari

Allison Shantz

Dave Schantz

Caitlin Schaub

Karl Schwingel

Chaz Self

Megan Self

Drew Shanklin

Maria Shanklin

Nicole Shari Terrill

Sarah Siekert

Eric Simkins

Rob Simkins

Molly Simkins-Sluk

Peter Simkins-Sluk

Mariah Singer-Brown

Trisha Smith

Jamie Sparling

Tina Sparling

Clay Thieme

Susan Tupper

Karla Westcott

Clare Wight

Eric Wight

Chad Will

Katie Will

Erin Wilson

Ann Wright

Yauo Yang

Diane Zahn

Michael Zahn

Mary Zilch

Will Zilch

Lyn Zillman

…and more each day!