Wausau Attorney Wins Marathon County Circuit Court Seat

Michael Hughes defeats longtime court commissioner in judicial election

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:55am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty courtroom with a single wooden gavel resting on the judge's bench, conveying the serious and impactful nature of the judicial process.The election of a new circuit court judge in Marathon County reflects the quiet, solemn power of the judicial system to shape a community.Wausau Today

A Wausau attorney named Michael Hughes has defeated Douglas Bauman, a longtime Marathon County court commissioner staff attorney, in the election for the Marathon County Branch 3 Circuit Court judge seat.

Why it matters

The election of a new circuit court judge in Marathon County is an important local political event, as judges play a key role in the judicial system and make decisions that impact the community.

The details

Michael Hughes, a Wausau-based attorney, won the election for the Marathon County Branch 3 Circuit Court judge seat, defeating Douglas Bauman, who had served as a court commissioner staff attorney in the county for many years.

  • The election took place on April 7, 2026.

The players

Michael Hughes

A Wausau-based attorney who won the election for the Marathon County Branch 3 Circuit Court judge seat.

Douglas Bauman

A longtime Marathon County court commissioner staff attorney who ran against Michael Hughes for the judicial seat.

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What they’re saying

“A key part of that system is judges.”

— Michael Hughes, Wausau attorney and newly elected Marathon County Circuit Court judge

The takeaway

The election of a new circuit court judge in Marathon County is an important local political event, as judges play a key role in the judicial system and make decisions that impact the community.