Hayden announces candidacy for Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court judgeship

Attorney Tom Hayden has announced his candidacy for Judge of the Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court. The election for that position will be held on April 7, 2026.
Hayden retired as Merrill City Attorney in July 2025 after serving in that role since August 2002. During his tenure with the City, he served as both prosecutor and general counsel.
The joint Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court was created in 2014. Since then, Hayden has served as prosecutor for both municipalities, handling all ordinance violation matters.
A 1978 graduate of Marquette University Law School, Hayden was engaged in private practice in Marshfield for 13 years, where he also served as Assistant District Attorney for northern Wood County. In 1985, he was appointed by Governor Anthony Earl to fill the unexpired term of Judge Fred A. Fink. At the end of that term, Hayden returned to private practice in Marshfield. In 1991, he accepted the position of City Attorney in Superior, Wis., where he served for nearly 10 years.
Hayden is a member of numerous service organizations, including the Merrill Optimist Club and the Merrill Rotary Club, where he previously served as president. He is also a past president of the Lincoln County Bar Association.
“I have been proud and happy to serve as attorney and prosecutor for Merrill and Tomahawk, and I hope to continue that service as the next Judge of the Merrill and Tomahawk Municipal Court,” Hayden said. “That court has been blessed with fine judges and staff. It would be an honor to continue that work.”