Karl Bohnak

Karl Bohnak is an American politician and member of the Michigan House of Representatives, currently serving as the representative for the 109th district. A member of the Republican Party, Bohnak has a background in meteorology and media, having worked as a meteorologist and newscaster prior to entering politics. His career in broadcasting spanned several decades and included notable positions at various television and radio stations in Michigan. Bohnak's transition into the political arena began after his departure from WLUC-TV, where he became known for his weather forecasts and community engagement.

Early life and career

Karl Bohnak was born on January 10, 1953, to Silvia and John Bohnak in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He has a twin sister named Karolyn. From a young age, Bohnak exhibited a keen interest in meteorology, which was sparked during a snowstorm in Milwaukee when he was in first grade. This fascination with weather led him to keep diaries documenting weather patterns as early as third or fourth grade, and he even constructed his own weather station. By the time he reached fifth or sixth grade, Bohnak had developed a strong interest in pursuing a career in television meteorology.

Bohnak attended John Marshall High School in Milwaukee, graduating in 1971. He then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned his degree in December 1975. During his time at the university, he achieved recognition by winning a national award at the DePauw University Undergraduate Honors Conference in March 1975. Following his graduation, Bohnak began his career in radio as an announcer before furthering his education in meteorology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while simultaneously working in radio and television weather broadcasting.

Bohnak's professional career in television weather forecasting began in 1983 at WISC-TV in Madison, Wisconsin. He worked there until 1985 before moving to WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee. In 1988, he joined WLUC-TV in Marquette, Michigan, as the chief meteorologist, a role he held for many years. Bohnak became well-known for his ability to forecast weather in the challenging climate of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, earning the American Meteorological Society Broadcast Seal of Approval for his work. In addition to his television duties, he provided weather forecasts for several local radio stations, enhancing his presence in the community.

Bohnak is also an accomplished author, having written or co-written three books focused on local weather and the history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. His first book, "So Cold a Sky: Upper Michigan Weather Stories," was published in 2006 and recognized as a 2007 Michigan Notable Book by the Library of Michigan. He co-authored "Michigan's Upper Peninsula Almanac" in 2009, published by the University of Michigan Press, and his third book, "Sunburns to Snowstorm: Upper Michigan Weather in Pictures & Stories," was released in 2017.

In September 2021, Bohnak was terminated from WLUC-TV due to his refusal to comply with a COVID-19 vaccination mandate imposed by the station's owner, Gray Television. His dismissal garnered significant public attention, with protests occurring at the television station. Following his departure, Bohnak began writing a column titled "Karl's Korner" for The Mining Journal and its regional affiliates, which ran until December 2023. He also joined WZMQ-TV in late September 2022, where he contributed a weekly segment on weather and historical phenomena until he transitioned into politics in early 2024.

Legislative service

Bohnak's entry into politics was encouraged by supporters following his departure from WLUC-TV. He officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Michigan's 109th House of Representatives district on December 29, 2023. In the Republican primary held on August 6, 2024, Bohnak successfully defeated challengers Burt Mason and Melody Wagner. He subsequently won the general election on November 5, 2024, defeating the incumbent representative, Jenn Hill. With this victory, Bohnak became the first Republican to represent Marquette County in the Michigan State House since 1955. He was sworn into office on December 11, 2024, ahead of the new legislative session that convened in January 2025.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Bohnak has articulated positions on various issues that reflect his political philosophy and the interests of his constituents. He has described himself as skeptical of climate change and identifies as a libertarian, emphasizing fiscal conservatism while also holding socially liberal views. His political journey has seen a shift from more liberal positions to a more conservative stance, particularly regarding policies related to climate change.

Bohnak's opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates has been a notable aspect of his public persona, drawing media attention and support from some political figures. He has expressed concerns about individual liberties and the legal liability of vaccine manufacturers in the event of adverse effects. During his campaign for state representative, Bohnak outlined his stance on several key issues on his campaign website. He advocated for local control over land use decisions, opposed state mandates on wind and solar energy, and emphasized the importance of parental involvement in educational curricula. Additionally, he expressed support for constitutional carry of firearms and for first responders.

Bohnak's political positions have drawn varied responses from the public and media. In an October 2024 profile, he was described as "QAnon-adjacent," reflecting a perception of skepticism towards government regulations and oversight. His evolving views and political engagement continue to shape his representation of Michigan's 109th district as he navigates the complexities of state legislation and constituent concerns.