Michelle Hughes has won the race for Jefferson County Division 15 associate circuit judge, beating Charlie Argana and Antonio “Tony” Manansala in the Aug. 4 Republican primary.
Because no Democrats filed for the seat, she will be unopposed in the Nov. 3 general election.
According to complete, but unofficial results reported by the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, Hughes won the race with 9,134 votes (36.94 percent of the total vote) to Argana’s 8,159 votes and Manansala’s 7,436 votes.
Hughes, 46, of High Ridge has practiced law for 21 years and is a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association. She has served as the association’s past vice president and president.
Associate circuit judges serve four-year terms and are paid approximately $167,833.
The spot has been held by Argana, who was appointed in January 2025 by former Gov. Mike Parson following Wes Yates’ retirement in late 2024.
Hughes was unable to be reached for comment.