EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Circuit Judge David Dugan announced Aug. 25 that he is running on the Republican ticket for resident circuit judge in the November 2018 election for the seat he currently occupies.
Dugan was appointed circuit judge in March by the Illinois Supreme Court, upon the recommendation of Chief Justice Lloyd Karmeier, He was selected to fill the vacancy created when former Circuit Judge John Barberis was elected to the Fifth District Appellate Court last November.
“I have very much enjoyed my short time on the bench and would be honored to be elected to a six year term next year,” Dugan stated in a press release.
Collinsville attorney Marc Parker of Parker Law PC is running on the Democratic ticket as Dugan’s opponent.
Dugan worked as an assistant State’s Attorney under Bill Haine before he was appointed to the bench. He also worked in private practice since 1986, where he represented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation.
Dugan previously told the Record that in the last 15 years, he has concentrated on insurance and commercial disputes. He’s also been involved in personal injury litigation, both on the plaintiff and defense side and in products liability.
“I believe my experience shows my ability to see both sides of cases and to be impartial in all my decisions,” Dugan stated. “I have been assigned to the civil docket where I hear a wide variety of civil cases, including overseeing the entire arbitration docket.”
Congressman John Shimkus is serving as Dugan’s campaign chairman.
“He is a respected leader, and I appreciate his friendship over the years and his advice throughout the appointment process,” Dugan stated. “In addition, I am honored that my campaign treasurer will be Madison County Republican Central Committee Chairman Jeremy Plank, a CPA.”
“I have known Dave for over 25 years, and I have found him to be a well-respected conservative voice,” Shimkus stated. “He has a reputation for fairness, integrity, and service in the community. I am proud to call him Judge Dugan and offer my endorsement and complete support.”
Dugan earned a degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University in 1982 and his juris doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1985, where he was awarded the CJS Jurisprudence Award.
Dugan is a Board Member for Riverbend Family Ministries, which provides services to those families who are in crisis. He is also a former volunteer president of Options Now, a pregnancy resource and medical clinic for women.
He has provided pro bono legal services to Refuge, which is dedicated to prevent childhood exposure to violence and abuse, and the Community Hope Center.
Dugan attends church at the 1st Baptist Church of Bethalto, where he serves as an Elder. He is a lifetime NRA member and is a member of the Edwardsville Gun Club.
Has been married to Susan E. Dugan for 30 years, and they reside in Bethalto.
They have one daughter, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate Capt. Sarah E. Martin, who is married to Capt. Joe Martin. They are both currently assigned to the 23rd Fighter Wing, Moody AFB.
The Third Judicial Circuit is comprised of Bond and Madison counties.