Greenwood, AR — The Honorable Michael Wagoner, currently serving as District Judge of the Sebastian County District Court–Greenwood District, has officially announced his candidacy for Circuit Court Judge in Division 1 of the Sebastian County Circuit Court. Judge Wagoner is seeking to succeed the Honorable Stephen Tabor, who is retiring after 40 years of distinguished service to the county. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
“With deep respect for the judicial system and a commitment to fairness and justice, I am honored to announce my candidacy for Circuit Court Judge,” said Judge Wagoner. “Throughout my career, I have worked to uphold the law with integrity and impartiality while serving the people of Sebastian County. I am eager to bring my experience, work ethic, and judicial philosophy to the circuit court to ensure that our community continues to have a strong and principled judiciary. I am grateful to Judge Tabor for his leadership and dedication to serving the residents of Sebastian County.”
Division 1 of the Circuit Court is a criminal and specialty court division, a role Judge Wagoner is uniquely prepared to undertake. Since being elected District Judge in May 2012 and taking the bench in January 2013, he has presided over a wide array of cases, including criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic matters. His innovative approach to justice has included the implementation of alternative sentencing programs, collaborating with organizations such as Harbor House, The Guidance Center, and the Fort Smith Public Schools Adult Education Center to provide outpatient drug counseling options for misdemeanor offenders.
Judge Wagoner’s legal career spans more than 25 years. Before his judicial appointment, he served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Sebastian County from 1999 to 2012. During his tenure, he handled cases in both district and circuit courts, including juvenile court, and from 2001 to 2006, served as the office’s domestic violence prosecutor. In circuit court, he prosecuted some of the county’s most serious criminal cases, including murders, robberies, and sexual assaults. He also contributed as an instructor at the Fort Smith Police Department’s law enforcement academy.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law, Judge Wagoner earned his Juris Doctor in 1999. He is a member of the Sebastian County Bar Association and the Arkansas District Judges Association.
Judge Wagoner’s candidacy has already drawn strong endorsements from local legal professionals.
“In my experience with Judge Wagoner as a prosecutor and judge, he has always been fair in applying the law to protect crime victims,” said Fort Smith attorney Veronica Bryant. “He treats everyone in his courtroom with kindness and respect—qualities that will make him an excellent Circuit Court Judge.”
“Michael Wagoner’s compass is true north. He’s honest, and he will judge the people fairly,” said attorney Stephen Sharum.
“I am proud to support Judge Michael Wagoner for Circuit Judge. He has the depth of experience, knowledge of the law, and proven judicial demeanor we need in the position,” added attorney Rex Terry.
Judge Wagoner’s campaign is rooted in his long-standing commitment to justice and public service. “I am running for Circuit Court Judge because I believe in the fundamental principles of justice and fairness,” he said. “It is crucial that our courts remain a place where the law is applied with consistency and without bias, and where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.”
Born and raised in Mansfield, Arkansas, Judge Wagoner’s deep roots in Sebastian County have shaped his lifelong dedication to public service. He actively participates in community outreach, speaking at schools and career fairs to educate young people about the judicial system. Outside the courtroom, he serves as Awana director, Sunday school teacher, and deacon at Fellowship Baptist Church.
Judge Wagoner and his wife of 27 years, Tonya, are proud parents of three daughters—Rachel James (Tyler), Rheding Melton (Jake), and Raylee—and have three grandchildren. The Wagoners are active members of the Greenwood School District and their local church community. Tonya, a dedicated educator, has taught in Greenwood classrooms for 29 years.
With a record of service and a vision for the future, Judge Michael Wagoner is entering the race for Circuit Court Division 1 with broad support and a commitment to continuing a legacy of fairness, integrity, and community trust.
