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ESCANABA -- While there were several judicial elections in the area Tuesday, only some were contested -- including the race for Delta County 94th District Court judge.
Longtime attorney Trent Stupak and Andrew Hayse, domestic relations referee in the Delta County 47th Circuit Court, both vied for the bench in the 94th District Court. Stupak ultimately won, taking home 9,676 votes (65.64%) in Delta County. Hayse received 5,026 votes (34.10%).
There were 29 write-in votes for the 94th District Court judge position, though none were certified with the Delta County Clerk.
“Thank you Delta County Voters for electing me your next District Court Judge," Stupak said Tuesday afternoon. "I am honored and humbled to have the confidence of the citizens of Delta County. I am looking forward to the challenges and responsibility of being the next 94th District Court Judge. My 25 years of legal experience will be of great benefit as I serve the public in this very important nonpartisan role. My community ties and vast knowledge of the law will also assist as I strive to administer justice with fairness and impartiality to all.”
In a Facebook post following the election, Hayse thanked those who supported his campaign and congratulated Stupak on his victory.
"Though we did not get the votes we had hoped for, I hope the ideas we talked about survive my candidacy," Hayse said. "Though this campaign comes to an end, my service to the community does not. I still pledge myself to working in this community and making it the place we all want it to be."
The race for Schoolcraft County 11th Circuit Court judge was also contested. The 11th Circuit Court serves Schoolcraft County along with Alger, Luce and Mackinac counties.
6,973 voters (52.43%) chose Robert T. Steinhoff to serve as the next 11th Circuit Court judge. Current 11th Circuit Court Judge Brian D. Rahilly was voted out, receiving 6,327 votes (47.57%).
There were 77 unresolved write-ins for the position across all four counties.
Steinhoff has served as Alger County Prosecutor since 2019. He was first elected in 2020 and again in 2024. Prior to becoming prosecutor, Steinhoff practiced as a public offender in Southwest Michigan.
Steinhoff's campaign team celebrated the victory on Facebook, saying, "Thank you to all of our supporters and to everyone that voted Steinhoff for Judge. Change is coming, and Rob is honored you’ve placed your trust in him to get the job done."
Prior to being voted out, Rahilly served as 11th Circuit Court judge for six years.
In Menominee County, Jeffrey T. Rogg -- current Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney -- and Alexander Sieminski ran for the position of 95A District Court judge. Both were non-incumbents.
Sieminski came out victorious, receiving 5,061 votes (60.35%). Rogg received 3,325 votes (39.65%). There were 32 unresolved write-ins for the 95A District Court judge position.
Sieminski served as Dickinson County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney from 2017 to 2023 before moving back to Menominee. He is a private bar attorney with over a decade of experience in prosecution and criminal defense.
The new 95A District Court judge issued a statement following the win. Sieminski said, "I'm beyond humbled and wish to share extreme gratitude for everybody who went out to the polls and participated!"
Rogg posted a statement, as well: "While I won't be serving from the bench, my commitment to justice, fairness and this community remains unchanged."
Also in Menominee County, Current 41st Circuit Court Judge Christopher S. Ninomiya was the unopposed winner. Nonomiya received 6,055 votes. There were 108 unresolved write-ins for the position.
Nonomiya was sworn in to the position in January 2018 after Judge Richard Celello retired.
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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.