Born and raised in East Texas, Bryan attended Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler, becoming the first in his family to receive a Bachelor's degree. He went on to earn his law degree from Baylor University and obtained a prestigious clerkship with U.S. District Judge William Steger. Following his service to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Bryan entered private law practice which he still maintains, helping families and businesses solve problems and deal with difficult challenges.

He has been honored as Baylor Young Lawyer of the Year and Outstanding Alumnus of both Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler. For his service in the Legislature, Senator Hughes has received the Taxpayer Champion Award, Defender of the American Dream award, and the Horizon Award from Texas Right to Life. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has honored him as their Legislator of the Year, and the American Conservative Union consistently has given him their highest rating.

Senator Hughes serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Affairs and as a member of the Education, Jurisprudence, Natural Resource & Economic Development, Nominations, and Redistricting Committees.