Kayla Maki
By Jennifer Champagne
Managing Editor
Alger County Prosecutor Robert T. Steinhoff formally launched his campaign for 11th Circuit Court judge Friday evening before a full house at Gallery Coffee Co.
Supporters packed the venue’s main event space as community members, law enforcement officials and elected leaders turned out for the kickoff event. The reception featured remarks from Roxanne Steinhoff, who opened the program, followed by the candidate, who delivered his remarks before introducing Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock. Deputy Perry King, who also serves as chief of the Au Train Township Fire Department, also spoke, with Brock closing the evening.
“It’s an honor to have you all in attendance,” Steinhoff told the crowd. “But it’s also a message — a message that the stakes of this campaign are extraordinarily high.”
A Munising native, Steinhoff pointed to his upbringing in a papermill family as central to his values and work ethic.
“My family has over 100 years in the mill, and I’m deeply proud of that heritage,” he said.
Steinhoff, who has served as Alger County prosecutor for seven years, framed his candidacy around his experience as both a defense attorney and prosecutor.
“Choose the judge who has been there,” he said, “the judge who has been on both sides.”
He said that experience has shaped how he approaches decision making in the courtroom.
“If a case involving a victim is denied for prosecution, I must look the victim in the eye and explain why,” he said. “We owe that to them.”
Steinhoff’s path to the bench spans both courtroom advocacy and court administration. Before returning to Munising in 2019, where he was appointed prosecutor by then-Judge William W. Carmody and later elected in 2020, he operated a criminal defense practice in southwest Michigan, representing clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Earlier in his career, he served as deputy friend of the court in Cass County, managing court operations and administrative functions, and held legal roles with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. He also worked as a judicial law clerk in the 11th Circuit early in his legal career.
In a follow-up interview, Steinhoff said his judicial philosophy centers on balance and fairness.
“As judge, I will bring balance to the bench through real-world, community-centered justice,” he said. “What sets me apart is the firsthand experience on both sides of the courtroom.”
He also noted the importance of public trust in the legal system.
“Public trust in the courts is built through visible fairness, transparency and consistency,” he said. “On the ground, that means the courts are accessible to anyone, and that impartial rulings on the law — not personal opinion or animus — guide every decision.”
During his remarks Friday, Steinhoff said he believes the 11th Circuit is facing broader challenges.
“We have a problem in the 11th Circuit,” he said. “It’s a problem with integrity. It’s a problem with respect. It’s a problem with accountability.”
The campaign launch also highlighted a slate of endorsements from across the region. Steinhoff has received endorsements from Brock, King, Luce County Sheriff Eric Gravelle, Schoolcraft County Sheriff Charlie Willour, Mackinac County Sheriff Ed Wilk, Munising City Police Chief Sheila Peters, Munising City Fire Chief Red Anderson, Munising Township Fire Chief Ty Nesberg and Alger County Board of Commissioners Chair Dean Seaberg.
Brock, who spoke at the event, praised Steinhoff’s work ethic and character.
“Of all the people I’ve ever worked with, he stands out to me,” Brock said. “I’ve never seen Rob get outworked.”
Brock also pointed to Steinhoff’s role in collaborative investigations between the prosecutor’s office and local law enforcement, including what he described as “ghost operations” targeting child predators.
“We run what we call ghost operations or undercover operations to arrest child sex traffickers,” Brock said, noting the work involves multiple agencies and significant coordination.
He said those operations require extensive planning and cooperation across jurisdictions, with Steinhoff working closely alongside officers throughout the process.
“It takes lots of time, effort, energy,” Brock said.
Brock said Steinhoff has been a consistent presence in those efforts, helping guide cases from investigation through prosecution while maintaining a steady and professional approach.
“Rob’s very honest,” Brock said. “Rob’s professional.”
He said that combination of experience, judgment and temperament is critical in cases involving serious crimes and vulnerable victims.
King said support for Steinhoff extends across both law enforcement and fire service ranks.
“I asked all of our employees … and it was an absolute majority,” King said. “We all endorse and are for Rob. … On behalf of the Au Train Fire Department as well, we had the same results there.”
Roxanne Steinhoff said the campaign has seen strong early support.
“I’m thrilled to say that the support has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Rob has a reputation for integrity and fairness as a prosecutor.”
She said her husband’s background across multiple areas of the legal system is a defining strength.
“Rob has done it all — he’s been a defense attorney, a prosecutor and even a court administrator,” she said. “He serves our community both in and out of the courtroom, and he has the courage to stand up for what is right.”
Steinhoff said his campaign is grounded in community engagement and accountability.
“Justice is not achieved in a vacuum,” he said.
The race for the 11th Circuit Court follows a ruling that disqualified incumbent Judge Brian D. Rahilly from hearing certain criminal cases in Mackinac County. According to Secretary of State filings, Rahilly has added his name to the ballot for the November election, though he has made no formal announcement.
The 11th Circuit includes Alger, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties. The election is scheduled for Nov. 3.