Michigan GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard says policy failures are driving jobs and families out of the state

Former House speaker cites population decline, education outcomes, energy costs and lack of transparency as reasons for his run for governor

Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard says he is running for governor because he believes the state is losing residents, jobs, and opportunity due to poor leadership and policy decisions.

Leonard, a Republican candidate for governor, discussed his campaign and priorities during a wide-ranging interview with Dave Bondy, pointing to population decline, education outcomes, energy costs, and regulatory barriers as key reasons he entered the race.

Click here to learn more about Tom Leonard and his campaign.

Leonard said his early career as a Genesee County prosecutor shaped his view of public service, calling it the most meaningful job he has held outside of being a husband and father. He said the experience grounded him in the impact government decisions have on everyday people.

Leonard said his decision to run is driven largely by concern for his children and Michigan’s future, citing statistics showing low population growth, weak income growth, and poor reading proficiency among fourth graders. He said Michigan has trailed most states in population growth over the past two decades, outperforming only West Virginia.

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According to Leonard, Michigan’s struggles are the result of leadership and policy choices, particularly when compared with neighboring states such as Indiana and Ohio. He argued that repealing right-to-work laws, maintaining higher income taxes, and burdensome regulations have made Michigan less competitive.

Leonard said he would prioritize making Michigan a right-to-work state again, lowering income taxes, reforming occupational licensing, and reducing regulatory barriers that he says slow job creation and hiring. He cited an example of a skilled trades worker facing months-long delays before being allowed to work in Michigan due to licensing requirements.

Leonard criticized the state’s use of corporate subsidies to attract large employers, saying hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on economic development projects that have failed to deliver results in communities like Genesee County.

Energy policy was a major focus of the interview, with Leonard saying Michigan has some of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest. He said he is calling for Michigan to become an energy choice state to increase competition and lower costs, and described his plan as a comprehensive approach to reforming energy policy.

Leonard also addressed data center development, saying he supports a one-year moratorium while the state establishes safeguards. He said data centers should not receive corporate subsidies, should not increase consumer energy rates, must protect water and natural resources, and should not be approved under nondisclosure agreements that limit public transparency.

On government transparency, Leonard said he supports expanding the Freedom of Information Act to include the governor’s office and Legislature. He pointed to actions he took as House speaker, including publishing staff salaries and job titles, as evidence of his commitment to accountability.

Leonard said that even with divided government, there are areas where bipartisan cooperation is possible, including improving early literacy rates and addressing what he described as a mental health crisis affecting adults and teenagers across the state.

Asked about the possibility of not securing the Republican nomination, Leonard said he would support the party’s eventual nominee, saying the stakes of the election are too high to do otherwise.

Leonard also criticized Democratic leadership and potential rivals, arguing that current policies would continue or expand under a Democratic governor. He said Michigan needs a positive, policy-driven vision rather than campaigns centered on opposing individual political figures.

Leonard said his campaign is focused on presenting detailed policy proposals and building support across party lines, emphasizing that he believes Michigan can reverse its current trajectory with different leadership.

“I want to make certain that my kids stay here,” Leonard said. “I want to make certain that your kids stay here.”