Three Republicans are seeking the Division 15 associate circuit judge’s seat in the Aug. 4 primary election.
That spot has been held by Charlie Argana, who was appointed in January 2025 by Gov. Mike Parson following Wes Yates’ retirement in late 2024.
Argana is running in the primary to keep his seat and is challenged by Antonio “Tony” Manansala and Michelle Hughes. Manansala currently presides over Division 12.
Associate circuit judges serve four-year terms and are paid approximately $167,833.
Antonio “Tony” Manansala, 67, of Cedar Hill is the Division 12 associate circuit judge. He has a bachelor’s degree in management and a juris doctorate degree. He served in private practice for seven years; 21 years as a public defender; and the last 11 years as associate circuit judge. He is a member of the High Ridge Elks, the Jefferson County Bar Association, the Missouri Bar Association and was a member of the Bicentennial Committee in 2018. He has three children and two grandchildren.
Charlie Argana, 33, of Festus was appointed as the associate judge of Division 15 in January 2025 by Gov. Mike Parson. Argana, a graduate of St. Pius X High School, received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Quincy University and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Memphis. He worked as an assistant public defender from 2020-2025. He is married to Ashley, and they have two children.
Michelle Hughes, 46, of High Ridge has practiced law for 21 years. She earned her juris doctorate degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich., and is a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association. She has served as the association’s past vice president and president. She is married to Justin and has one child.
Why should voters elect you, and what are your goals if elected?
Manansala: I have experience as judge for over 11 years. My goal, if elected, is to continue serving Jefferson County as your judge in Division 15 with fairness and knowledge of the law. I believe experience matters when serving as a judge.
Argana: I have served as the judge of Division 15 for almost two years. In that time, I demonstrated a commitment to protecting survivors of domestic violence and stalking through implementing the Hope Card program in ex parte restraining order cases. My entire career has been dedicated to public service, previously as a public defender and now as a judge. I have years of experience handling thousands of cases as a criminal defense attorney; and now presiding over thousands of probate and civil matters. I am committed to not only presiding over Division 15 fairly, honestly and efficiently, but actively seeking to improve the court process for all who have matters in my courtroom. I am the only candidate for this position that has a background of solely courtroom litigation experience, has improved our local court processes and can serve in this role for decades to come.
Hughes: I’ve been a lawyer for more than 21 years. I’ve focused my practice on areas of law that impact families. Going to court can be stressful and overwhelming. I aim to humanize the system so people feel heard and respected.
What are the biggest challenges facing Missouri’s circuit court system, as well as the division you are seeking to serve?
Manansala: I believe the biggest challenge in the court system is electing a judge who is experienced. I believe a good trial attorney makes a good trial judge. I believe judges should be elected by the people, for the people.
Argana: It seems that there has recently been a loss of trust and faith in our judicial system. There is a general feeling that the courts exist to solely benefit those with money or power and that the average citizen doesn’t have standing in our courts. It is true that any legal process can quickly become very expensive and time-consuming. It’s critical for judges to keep in mind that each person or party that has a case in their courtroom has limited and valuable time and resources. We must make all efforts to ensure everyone feels heard and respected in court, and perhaps more importantly, that their time and effort is respected by disposing of cases in a reasonably efficient manner.
Hughes: People often feel left out of the process or think the court system overreaches. I’m committed to judicial restraint and upholding the law.
How would you define your role as an associate circuit judge?
Manansala: My role as an associate circuit judge is to give the litigants, defendants and alleged victims their day in court, fair treatment and fair decisions. My role is to treat people as I would want to be treated.
Argana: An associate circuit judge is typically tasked with presiding over large-volume dockets and can hear a wide variety of legal matters in criminal, civil and probate law. In that role, associate circuit judges must have an appropriate temperament. They must be patient, fair and compassionate to everyone who appears before them. A judge in this role needs to balance the need of legal disputes to be resolved in a timely manner with the need to make sure litigants are given a fair chance to state their case. A judge must have the integrity and courage to apply Missouri law to the facts before them as it exists, not as the judge might wish for the law to be.
Hughes: With 21 years of experience, I will run a fair, efficient and organized courtroom. My goal is to bring experience, common sense and respect to the bench, so everyone is treated with dignity and fairness.
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