On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Wisconsin Public Radio reported that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers appointed Owen Piotrowski as the new Milwaukee County judge, succeeding Hannah Dugan, who resigned following a felony conviction. Dugan’s resignation was tendered after a jury found her guilty last month of obstructing immigration agents at the county courthouse.
Piotrowski, formerly an assistant district attorney in Milwaukee County, is set to commence his judicial duties on February 1, presiding over Branch 31 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court. This appointment alters Evers’ previous plan to have Piotrowski replace Judge Jeffrey Wagner, who is scheduled to retire in mid-March. Consequently, the governor will now begin the search for a new candidate to fill the upcoming vacancy in Branch 38 of the Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
Dugan’s legal representatives are reportedly challenging her conviction, seeking to have it overturned. In her resignation letter, Dugan cited her desire to prevent a “partisan fight in the state Legislature” as the primary reason for her departure.
Republican lawmakers had publicly stated their intention to initiate impeachment proceedings against Dugan if she did not resign promptly following her conviction in federal court.
Source: Wisconsin Public Radio
