Ready to serve the people of Douglas County.
Hughes for Douglas County Sheriff
Mike Hughes has dedicated his adult life to serving his community. He has served in the military, as a police officer, and as an advocate for children's access to education.
Mike is running for Douglas County Sheriff to:
Increase transparency between law enforcement and the public.
Collaborate with local municipalities to improve professionalism, quality of services, and efficiency.
Lead by example, bringing community-oriented law enforcement back to the people of Douglas County.
Mike wants to change the face of law enforcement to a more positive one through education, increased visibility, and events that bring law enforcement and civilians together. He also wants to work with state lawmakers on juvenile justice reform - changing a system too focused on punishment to one focused on rehabilitation.
About Mike
As the only child of a single mother who worked long hours to make ends meet, Mike relied on his community to help raise him, seeking refuge at the Hope Center for Kids, the Boys and Girls Club, Freedom Church, and in the homes of nearby families.
Mike's community also included the police officers who patrolled his neighborhood. The officers got out of their vehicles and played catch with Mike and his friends and gave them stickers and candy. Inspired by their actions, Mike knew he wanted to be a public servant one day. While for many people, encountering the police only occurs when the worst happens - potentially on the worst day of someone's life - Mike knew then and still believes today that law enforcement officers can positively influence their communities.
Despite the odds against him, Mike maintained his focus on school and graduated from Omaha Central High School.
He then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science, making him a first generation college graduate.
He went on to earn his master's degree in public administration from
Columbia Southern University. During and immediately following college, Mike worked as a supervisor for UPS where he managed and developed
a team of people and substantially increased the efficiency and employee retention of his department.
After college, Mike enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia. He served in
Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His unit was charged with duties including providing security to top Army
officials to locating improvised explosive devices. Mike's experience in the Army instilled self-discipline and integrity and helped
him grow as a leader.
After his tour ended in 2013, Mike returned to the U.S. a decorated war veteran, settling in Savannah, Georgia with his wife, Nicole.
He joined the Savannah Chatham Metro Police Department. Through intensive training, Mike learned survival techniques, how to engage with people,
and how to be a community-oriented officer. As he progressed, Mike gained responsibility including involvement in undercover sting operations.
He received meritorious awards for lifesaving events.
Mike is currently a Career Coach at the Avenue Scholars Foundation in Omaha where he helps underprivileged students find meaningful employment opportunities upon college or trade school graduation. Mike works with his students even after they have secured a job, helping them launch successful careers.
As Douglas County Sheriff, Mike, will combine his law enforcement expertise and leadership skills with his ability to recognize and address community issues at their source, leading to safer, thriving neighborhoods and communities across all of Douglas County.
Mike and Nicole live in Omaha and have a five-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter.
