Career
In 1980 and 1992, McHugh was elected as a Democrat to full, twelve-year terms on the Court. He however retired on December 31, 1997, with 7 years remaining on his term, and resumed the practice of law in Chaleston. On September 10, 2008, then-Chief Justice Eliot East. "Spike" Maynard named McHugh to temporarily replace Justice Joseph P. Albright.
Justice Albright had taken medical leave after being diagnosed with esophegial cancer.
Justice Albright died on March 20, 2009. On April 8, 2009, then Governor Joe Manchin appointed Justice McHugh to Justice Albright"s vacant seat.
He pledged to not run for the full term in 2012 and left the court in January 2013.