“I am honored to serve as an Eau Claire County Circuit Court judge, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Eau Claire County in this role…”
Douglas Hoffer announced today that he is seeking election as Eau Claire County Circuit Court judge.
Hoffer was appointed as judge for Branch 2 by Gov. Tony Evers on July 26. The vacancy for that position was created by Judge Michael Shumacher’s retirement.
The election for Branch 2 will occur as part of Wisconsin’s spring election on Tuesday, April 1. Hoffer’s current term ends July 31, 2025.
Hoffer announced his election bid during a ceremony in front of supporters gathered outside the Eau Claire County Courthouse. He said he is honored to have been appointed as judge by Gov. Evers and hopes to continue to seek just outcomes for those who come before him.
“I am honored to serve as an Eau Claire County Circuit Court judge, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Eau Claire County in this role,” Hoffer said. “I am grateful for the tremendous support and encouragement I have already received, and I will endeavor to continue to earn the support of my fellow Eau Claire county residents.”
Hoffer’s legal experience includes his work as deputy city attorney for the city of Eau Claire, where he was employed since 2013 prior to his appointment as judge. In that job, he provided legal advice, counsel, and represented city departments and the Eau Claire City Council. Before working in Eau Claire, Hoffer spent three years as an associate at the De La Mora & De La Mora law firm in Elm Grove, Wis., where he represented five municipalities and represented private clients in land use litigation.
Hoffer has successfully argued cases in Wisconsin trial courts, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) has endorsed Judge Hoffer and has released the following statement:
“I have always been impressed not only with Judge Hoffer’s knowledge of the law, but by his ability and willingness to bring people together to discuss issues,” said Emerson, who represents the Wisconsin Assembly’s 91st District. “Doug is an important part of our community and works every day to make it better. In this time of partisan politics, Judge Hoffer is able to bridge the divide.”
Eau Claire Professional Police Association (ECPPA) Local 9, the local union representing Eau Claire police officers, has endorsed Hoffer as Eau Claire judge because of his “integrity and commitment” to local citizens, and his expertise with legal issues.
“Doug has been a vital resource to the mission of public safety for the men and women of ECPPA Local 9,” a statement supporting Hoffer for judge states.
Hoffer lives in Eau Claire with his wife and two daughters and is a Marquette University Law School graduate. Among Hoffer’s notable accomplishments are his receiving the 2020 State Bar of Wisconsin Charles Dunn Author Award, and the 2017 International Municipal Lawyers Association’s Brad D. Bailey Assistant City/County Attorney Award. Hoffer regularly trained law enforcement and prosecutors from across the state on constitutional law and OWI enforcement, and in 2018 the Wisconsin Department of Justice recognized Hoffer’s “outstanding contribution to OWI prosecution in Wisconsin.”
