Pugh received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, graduating cum laude.
He went on to receive his juris doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School.
After graduating, he went into private practice with the South St. Paul law firm of Thuet, Pugh, Rogosheske, and Atkins.
[1] A Democrat, Pugh was first elected to the House in 1988, representing the South St. Paul area of Dakota County.
[1] In August 2004, Pugh was appointed to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission by Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty.