Former Michigan Speaker of the House Tom Leonard has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2026 gubernatorial contest. Leonard's entrance into the race adds to an already crowded field of candidates seeking to lead Michigan. According to his announcement, as reported by CBS News Detroit, Leonard's platform will emphasize tax reduction, regulatory reform, and promoting "freedom to work" policies, all with the end goal of making Michigan a "growth state."
Having served in the Michigan House from 2013 to 2018 and making an unsuccessful bid for Attorney General in 2018, Leonard is no stranger to Michigan politics. As Michigan Advance noted, Leonard's campaign manager is the experienced Bill Stepien, a former political director at the White House and campaign manager for Donald Trump.
The former prosecutor's campaign also promises to focus on improving third-grade reading outcomes and dealing with the state's mental health crisis. Tackling the plight that Michigan ranks "second-to-last in unemployment, and our education system is bottom 10 in the nation," Leonard asserts a commitment to laying out a "positive vision with real solutions." Facing criticism, the Michigan Democratic Party has already labeled him as "the latest failed Republican statewide candidate," as disclosed by Michigan Advance.
