Aho Rink Wins Michigan's 109th House District

Democrat Anna Aho Rink defeated incumbent Republican Karl Bohnak in the Upper Peninsula district on Election Night.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified capitol dome silhouette above northern pine forest and a Lake Superior shoreline in navy and cream. — Democrat Anna Aho Rink won Michigan's 109th State House District on Election Night, defeating Republican incumbent Karl Bohnak with 54% of the vote. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Democrat Anna Aho Rink won the 109th State House District seat with 54% of the vote, defeating Republican incumbent Karl Bohnak. Marquette County reported results last and put Aho Rink over the top.

Why it matters

The outcome flips a seat held by Bohnak and shows he underperformed in Alger, Baraga and Dickinson counties compared with two years ago. Only three Republicans have won the district, and none has secured two consecutive terms there.

Aho Rink took 54% of the vote in the 109th District, which covers Alger, Baraga, Marquette and part of Dickinson counties. Bohnak carried Alger, Baraga and Dickinson counties, but his share fell there compared with two years ago.

The players

Anna Aho Rink

Anna Aho Rink is a Democrat and health care professional who won the 109th State House District seat.

Karl Bohnak

Karl Bohnak is the Republican incumbent who lost the 109th State House District seat.

The details

Aho Rink, a health care professional, won after Marquette County reported its results last. Her stated priorities for office are affordability, passing the Rice Generator Bill, lowering prescription drug costs, limiting price gouging by energy companies, and passing the Corrections Officer Pension Bill.

Election night was November 3, 2026, when the results were reported and the race was called.

Political Context

Bohnak's underperformance in Alger, Baraga and Dickinson counties relative to two years ago signals softening Republican support in the district. Few Republicans have won the 109th District, and none has secured two straight terms, making this flip part of a longer pattern of contested control.

Aho Rink's priorities include lowering prescription drug costs and limiting price gouging by energy companies, which would affect residents' monthly bills if enacted. The Corrections Officer Pension Bill and Rice Generator Bill would shape state spending and energy policy in the district.

The takeaway

Voters in the district shifted away from the incumbent, and the new representative's agenda centers on affordability and energy costs. Readers tracking Michigan's legislature can watch how these priorities advance once she takes office.