Francis Wade Hughes (August 10, 1817 – October 20, 1885) was an American lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania.
Although pro-Union, he was tarred as a secessionist "traitor" in the press during the 1862 elections, ending his political career.
As chairman of the 1862 Democratic State Committee, Hughes was singled out for vilification.
His family ties in the Confederacy were played up, and worse, a draft resolution he authored (but never introduced) for the 1860 convention, suggesting Pennsylvania might secede, was attacked.
He had previously never prosecuted homicide cases and frequently defended with success those facing capital punishment.