Honorable Michael Wagoner, currently serving as District Judge of the Sebastian County District Court-Greenwood District, is officially announcing his candidacy for Circuit Court Division 1 in Sebastian County. He is seeking to fill the seat being vacated by the Honorable Stephen Tabor, who is retiring after 40 years of dedicated service to Sebastian County. Division 1 is a criminal and specialty court division. The election will be held on 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.”
Judge Wagoner was elected as District Judge in May 2012 and has served as a District Judge since January 2013. During his judicial career, he has presided over criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic cases. In his courtroom, he initiated alternative sentencing for misdemeanor cases which included outpatient drug counseling through local non-profit organizations such as Harbor House, The Guidance Center, and the Fort Smith Public Schools Adult Education Center.
Before serving as a District Judge, Judge Wagoner served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Sebastian County Prosecutor’s Office from August 1999 to December 2012. He prosecuted in both district court and circuit court, including juvenile court. From 2001 to 2006, he was the domestic violence prosecutor for the office. In circuit court, Judge Wagoner specialized in prosecuting violent crimes including murders, robberies, and sexual assaults. He also served as an instructor in the law enforcement academy through the Fort Smith Police Department. HONORABLE MICHAEL WAGONER
He earned his J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law in 1999 and brings over 25 years of legal experience to the bench. He is a member of the Sebastian County Bar Association and the Arkansas District Judges Association.
Judge Wagoner has received strong endorsements from members of the legal community who believe in his ability to serve as Circuit Court Judge in Sebastian County.
“In my experience with Judge Wagoner as a prosecutor and judge, he has always been fair in applying the law to protect crime victims. He treats everyone in his courtroom with kindness and respect—qualities that will make him an excellent Circuit Court Judge,” said Fort Smith attorney Veronica Bryant.
“Michael Wagoner’s compass is true north. He’s honest, and he will judge the people fairly,” said Fort Smith 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,” said Fort Smith attorney Rex Terry.
“I am running for Circuit Court Judge because I believe in the fundamental principles of justice and fairness,” said Judge Wagoner. “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.”
Raised in Mansfield, Arkansas, Judge Wagoner has deep roots in the community he serves. His commitment to justice is shaped by a lifelong dedication to public service and his belief in the importance of giving back. He regularly speaks about the judicial system at high school career fairs and as a guest speaker at elementary, intermediate, and middle school events. Outside the courtroom, Judge Wagoner is actively involved in his church, serving as the Awana director, a Sunday school teacher, and as a deacon.
Judge Wagoner and his wife, Tonya, have been married for 27 years and are proud parents of three daughters, Rachel James (Tyler), Rheding Melton (Jake), and Raylee; they also have three grandchildren. Their family is actively engaged in their church, Fellowship Baptist Church, and the Greenwood School District, where Tonya serves as a teacher with 29 years of classroom experience.
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