The Hon. Joe Don McGaugh is an associate judge for the 8th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri. He was appointed to the bench by former Governor Eric Greitens on October 19, 2017.
The 8th Judicial Circuit includes Ray County and Carroll County.
Prior to his appointment, McGaugh was the owner of the McGaugh Law Offices, a law firm he opened in 2010. He supplemented his practice with service as a member of the Missouri House of Representatives (2013 to 2017) as well as a city attorney for the Town of Carrollton (2011 to 2013).
McGaugh earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2006. He then completed a J.D. at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2010.
His memberships have included the Carrollton Lions Club, the Future Farmers of America, the Carroll County Shrine Club, the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, the Missouri Farm Bureau, the National Rifle Association, and the Wakanda Lodge (52).
Born in Carrollton, Missouri, McGaugh and his wife, Kassie, have three children. They attend Carrollton United Methodist Church.
He is registered as a Republican.