Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard announced Monday he is running for the Republican nomination for governor, pledging to make Michigan a “growth state” by tackling economic, education and accountability issues.
According to a June 17 news release from the campaign, Leonard, who served in the state House from 2013 to 2018 and was unanimously elected speaker during his final term, said his campaign will focus on lowering taxes, reforming regulations, and expanding “freedom to work” policies.
“Michigan currently ranks second-to-last in unemployment, and our education system is bottom 10 in the nation,” Leonard said in a statement. “We cannot afford another lost decade where our children are forced to leave the state for better opportunities.”
Leonard’s platform includes improving third-grade reading scores, addressing the state’s mental health crisis, and bringing more transparency to government. He has proposed subjecting the executive branch to the Freedom of Information Act and expanding the auditor general’s office to increase oversight in Lansing.
“Less than 40% of our third graders can read proficiently,” Leonard said. “We are losing a generation of kids because the political class has continued to focus on appeasing special interests over children.”
Leonard and his wife, Jenell, live in DeWitt with their three children. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Michigan State University.
In addition to his public service, Leonard previously worked as a Genesee County prosecutor and as an assistant attorney general. He currently works for a leading Michigan law firm.
The campaign will include a series of citizen roundtables across the state to inform what Leonard calls a “Citizens Agenda,” shaped by conversations with voters.
“Our campaign isn’t about inside politics; it’s about helping the people forced to live with the consequences of Lansing’s failures,” Leonard said.
Leonard has tapped Bill Stepien, former White House political director and campaign manager for Donald Trump, as his senior strategist.
More information is available at tomformichigan.comopportunities and @TomLeonard28 on X.