Rob Steinhoff wins 11th Circuit Court judicial race

Steinhoff defeats incumbent Brian Rahilly by 646 votes across four counties

Alger County Prosecutor Robert T. Steinhoff has won the race for 11th Circuit Court judge, defeating incumbent Brian D. Rahilly by 646 votes in Tuesday’s general election, according to unofficial vote totals compiled from the four counties within the judicial circuit.

Steinhoff received 6,973 votes, or 52.4%, compared with Rahilly’s 6,327 votes, or 47.6%, across Alger, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties.

Speaking with The Munising Beacon on Wednesday, Steinhoff said he was ready to begin the work ahead.

“I feel like I’m ready to work,” Steinhoff said. “We have big changes that need to occur in the circuit, and today is day one of the age of courtesy.”

A four-county victory

Steinhoff carried Alger and Schoolcraft counties, while Rahilly led in Luce and Mackinac.

Alger County delivered Steinhoff his largest margin, with 2,286 votes to Rahilly’s 1,371, a 915-vote advantage. In Schoolcraft County, Steinhoff received 1,573 votes to Rahilly’s 1,409.

Rahilly carried Luce County with 1,221 votes to Steinhoff’s 881, while Mackinac County produced the closest contest, with Rahilly receiving 2,326 votes to Steinhoff’s 2,233.

More than a year on the campaign trail

Steinhoff announced his candidacy around August 2025, according to Roxanne Steinhoff, his wife and campaign manager. Over the following year, the campaign traveled throughout all four counties in the judicial circuit, speaking with thousands of residents.

Roxanne said one of the most meaningful aspects of the campaign was discovering how much people across the circuit had in common, despite their differences.

“I think the biggest uplifting thing from this whole experience is that the things that unite us are so much more prolific and important than the things that divide us,” she said.

Steinhoff also acknowledged the support of both his and Roxanne’s parents throughout the campaign, describing the effort as “all hands on deck.”

Looking toward January

Steinhoff’s six-year judicial term is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2027, following certification of the election results.

Until then, he said his priorities include building relationships throughout the circuit and preparing the Alger County prosecutor’s office for his departure.

“The next step is building relationships, and that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Steinhoff said. “Getting to know people, getting to know the lay of the land. But I still have a lot of work to do in the prosecutor’s office before January first.”

He said he wants to leave the prosecutor’s office in better condition than he found it, with pending cases organized for his successor.

Asked what he would say to voters who supported him, Steinhoff offered a message of gratitude.

“Just thank you for believing in our mission,” he said. “Thank you for believing in courtesy and goodwill. And investing in that mission.”

The results remain unofficial pending review and certification by the county boards of canvassers, a process expected to take another day or two.

Sources: Unofficial Nov. 3, 2026, general election vote totals for Alger, Luce, Mackinac and Schoolcraft counties; interviews with Robert and Roxanne Steinhoff, Nov. 4, 2026.