Chambana Sun

Judicial Circuit Court Judge Mike McHaney admits he was impressed by what he saw while attending a recent Champaign Young Republicans event.

"It is always great to see so many young people out and engaged in the political process and last night I was once again reminded what a voice for freedom our young conservatives have in Illinois,” McHaney posted on Facebook. “Thank you Young Republicans of Champaign County for hosting such a great event."

After 15 years on the bench and currently serving on the Fourth Judicial Circuit, McHaney recently announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to fill the Fifth District Appellate Court vacancy of Justice David Overstreet.

After spending 25 years practicing both civil and criminal law across Southern Illinois, McHaney was elected chief judge in 2014, serving in that capacity for three years.

A graduate of the Southern Illinois University Law School, McHaney has also taught classes at the Illinois Judicial Education Conference and performed leadership roles for both Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University students in the criminal justice and civil law fields of study.

McHaney now holds court in Effingham, Hillsboro, Carlyle, Newton, Salem, Taylorville, Vandalia, Shelbyville and Louisville. In addition, he’s held special assignments in other circuits within the Fifth District.

Back in 2010, McHaney was recognized by Rend Lake College as Alumnus of the Year and five years later was awarded the Key to the City of Salem for his efforts in spearheading the Drug Court Program and working with participants to improve conditions throughout the city.

McHaney was referred to on the Rush Limbaugh Show as being “the greatest judge in the United States right now…” by conservative commentator and author, Mark Styne.