Circuit Judge Mike McHaney of rural Marion County has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to fill the Fifth District Appellate Court vacancy left by the election of Judge David Overstreet to the Illinois Supreme Court.
McHaney has spent the last 15 years of his legal career as a judge, first as an Associate Judge and then as an at large circuit judge for the nine county Fourth Judicial Circuit that includes Marion, Clinton, Fayette, Clay, Effingham and four other counties. He served as chief judge of the circuit from 2014
until 2017. Prior to becoming judge, McHaney spent 25 years in front of the bench, practicing both civil and criminal law throughout Southern Illinois.
McHaney graduated from Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University obtaining Associate of Arts, Bachelor, and Juris Doctor Degrees. He has been recognized by Rend Lake College as Alumnus of the Year in 2010. In 2015, he was awarded the Key to the City of Salem for his efforts in spearheading the Drug Court Program and working side by side with participants to improve conditions throughout the city of Salem.
McHaney has most recently been in the limelight for siding with then State Representative now State Senator Darren Bailey and against Governor JB Pritzker in having the authority to hand down COVID-19 restrictions.
“I made my decision to run when I saw numerous other courts and judges who would not hear these election cases. That’s what prompted me to make my decision to run. It takes courage to stand up for our Constitution and I am going to continue to do that.”
When McHaney ran for Circuit Court Judge he was a Democrat but has since switched parties.
“That was 10 years ago. I am now one of millions and the best way I know to answer it is to quote from one of our greatest presidents….I didn’t leave the Democrat party, it left me.”
McHaney expects a number of issues to be coming before the Appellate court.
“I will not comment on any case that could come before us. In essence that prevents us from talking about the issues. Issues that will come up of course is going to be gun control. I know there is legislation pending to void the FOID card. That will probably be the major issue. And lots of other First Amendment issues.”
Judge McHaney and his wife Laura live in rural Marion County and have four grown children and two grandchildren.
