In a significant development for Michigan politics, another Republican contender has entered the gubernatorial race. Tom Leonard, who previously held the position of State House Speaker, announced his candidacy on Monday night.
Leonard, hailing from DeWitt, expressed his intention to focus on key issues affecting Michigan. He emphasized the importance of enhancing reading proficiency among schoolchildren. Citing Mississippi’s educational reforms as a success story, Leonard aims to replicate similar improvements in Michigan.
Mississippi’s approach began in 2013, with a shift in educational standards emphasizing phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Teachers from kindergarten to third grade also received enhanced training. This initiative propelled Mississippi’s fourth grade reading scores from 49th in the nation in 2013 to 20th by 2023.
Beyond education, Leonard’s campaign will also address mental health treatment accessibility and increased government transparency.
Leonard’s political career includes serving in the Michigan state House from 2013 to 2018, where he was elected Speaker. He ran for Michigan attorney general in 2018 but was unsuccessful. His bid to become U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan was also thwarted by opposition from Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senators.
The Republican primary race is becoming increasingly competitive, with Leonard joining notable figures like Congressman John James, State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, and former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.
Meanwhile, the race to succeed Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who cannot run again in 2026 due to term limits, includes several Democratic candidates and one well-known Independent.
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