Polling Average
50%40%30%20%10%0%
38.3%
30%
14.2%
8.5%
Republican
Tom Leonard
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
$243.5K
AUG 5, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age45 years old (Apr 20, 1981)
GenderMale
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LocationMichigan
BackgroundAttorney
EducationUniversity of Michigan (BA, History and Spanish)
Notable personal detailsThomas L. Leonard III is an American attorney and Republican politician from Michigan. He served in the Michigan House of Representatives (2013–2018), including as Speaker of the Michigan House (2017–2018). He was the 2018 Republican nominee for Michigan attorney general and later joined the law firm Plunkett Cooney in its government relations practice.
SourcesShowHide
en.wikipedia.orggongwer.comtomformichigan.commichiganpublic.orgmichigan.govelectionline.orgva01republicans.orgelectionarchive.washtenaw.orgamesfreelibrary.orgmichiganadvance.comstanfordvotes.orguppermichiganssource.comk12irc.orglegislature.mi.govmichigandems.comwgvunews.orgthemidwesterner.newsmichigannewssource.comapnews.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgbridgemi.comgreatlakesgunrights.orgstatic.votesmart.orgcongress.govballotready.orgwalberg.house.govwikidata.orgpeters.senate.govbarrett.house.govfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgedworkforce.house.govgovinfo.govdocquery.fec.govnga.orgncsl.orgmcclintock.house.govvoterguide.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports major tax cuts including an immediate cut of the state income tax to 3.9% with a plan to phase it out completely, lowering property taxes, eliminating corporate welfare and state tax subsidies for targeted companies, and repealing tax breaks for data centers. Proposes redirecting certain revenues to roads and reducing regulations to lower costs. Advocates shrinking targeted business incentives and tying utility and energy policy reforms to lower consumer costs.
Healthcare
Supports expanding mental-health services and access across Michigan, including tele-mental-health in schools, stronger treatment courts, and increased funding/long-term supports for people with mental illness. Emphasizes reducing stigma and improving access to treatment rather than criminalizing mental illness. Policy proposals focus on state-led expansion of behavioral health programs and telehealth access rather than wholesale market changes or privatization.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supports strengthened border enforcement and aligns with President Trump’s border policies, indicating backing for tougher border security measures. Public campaign materials and news coverage emphasize a law-and-order approach on immigration without detailing proposals for expanded legal pathways or regularization.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Opposes Roe v. Wade and has a pro-life voting record; has said he would enforce Michigan's 1931 abortion ban and has expressed opposition to the Griswold v. Connecticut decision protecting contraception. Leonard has received endorsements from pro-life groups during past campaigns.
Climate & Energy
Supports an all-of-the-above energy approach that emphasizes energy choice and competition, including expanded nuclear power and completing the Line 5 tunnel, and calls for repealing recent statewide “net zero” and renewable energy siting mandates. Proposes reforming the Michigan Public Service Commission, capping rate increases, prioritizing reliability, and restricting large-scale renewable development and data center incentives to protect affordability and local control.
Public Safety & Guns
Advocates for expanded gun rights including constitutional carry and opposes red flag-style laws while emphasizing support for law enforcement and hunting heritage. Campaign materials and public statements emphasize removing licensing fees and protecting Second Amendment rights.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Republican Michigan governor candidate Tom Leonard is campaigning on a proposal to appoint an “Upper Peninsula ambassador” if elected. He says the role would create a direct communication link between the U.P. and the governor’s office as he competes in a crowded GOP primary.
en.wikipedia.org+36
Polls
Michigan Republican Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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