NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The race for Michigan’s 109th state house seat officially began today. Marquette County Commissioner Dana Lalonde is the first to throw her hat into the ring for the November 2026 election.
Lalonde, who has served on the Negaunee City Council, as well as a term as mayor, is a former union president, as well as an active volunteer in the community.
She hopes to unseat current House Rep. Karl Bohnak in next year’s midterm election.
Lalonde is running as a democrat; however, she believes the important issues facing the U.P. Are non-partisan, and should revolve around the common well-being of everyone in the district.
“Historically, I feel all of our legislators, Democrat and Republican, have worked together to fight for the U.P., and we have to continue that. I think we’ve seen our legislators voting party line. And, you know, I understand there’s Republicans and Democrats, but most of our issues are non-partisan, and for our people,” said Lalonde.
Lalonde is originally from downstate Dryden; however, she has been living here since she attended Northern Michigan University, and says that although she is not a Yooper by birth, she is a proud Yooper by choice.
