Tom Leonard (Michigan politician)

Background and Education

Prior to elected office, Leonard served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan and worked in the Genesee County Prosecutor's Office. There, he prosecuted some of Michigan’s most dangerous criminals while assigned to the Special Crimes Division in Flint.

Leonard received his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law and was the Graduating Class President. He also received the Ralph M. Freeman Scholarship which is annually awarded to the student that most exemplifies the Rules of Professional Conduct by treating others with courtesy and respect. Leonard also earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish from the University of Michigan.

Professional career

During his first term in office, Leonard was elected to the House Leadership team as Majority Caucus Vice-Chair. After serving as the ranking Vice-Chair of the Insurance committee, Leonard was selected as Chair of the House Insurance Committee in his second term. Leonard was chosen by his Republican Colleagues in 2014 to serve as second-in-line in House leadership as the Speaker Pro-Tempore, a position which allowed him to preside over the House as Speaker during the absence of the Speaker of the House.

In September 2013, Tom was honored to be selected as one of the American Conservative Union’s “10 under 40” rising conservative leaders from across the country. He was given the opportunity to address the Conservative Political Action Committee in St. Louis, Missouri along with the likes of Governor Rick Perry and Senator Rick Santorum.

Leonard is a member of the DeWitt Lions Club, National Rifle Association, and the Clinton County Farm Bureau. He is also the former chairman of the DeWitt Public Safety Committee and an active member of the St. Johns Kiwanis Club. Leonard and his wife Jenell, who serves as the Director of the Michigan Film and Digital Media Office, live in DeWitt Charter Township with their newborn daughter, Hannah.

Issues

Since taking office, Leonard has been a strong advocate for public safety and victims’ rights; particularly reforming laws to protect the elderly. The first bill he introduced increased penalties against those that embezzle funds from vulnerable adults. The legislation passed the House and Senate and Governor Rick Snyder signed it into law in May 2013. Other legislation Leonard has sponsored includes protections for victims’ families entitled to restitution, as well as children who are preyed upon by sexual predators.

Leonard is a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) holder and a Lifetime NRA member. He has maintained an A+ rating with the Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners (“MCRGO”-PAC) and an “A” rating from the NRA for helping preserve the right to keep and bear arms in the state legislature. In Leonard’s first term, he co-sponsored legislation that protects law abiding citizens' CPL information from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Serving in House leadership every term in the state legislature, Leonard has been at the forefront of debate with Michigan’s budget. Under Leonard’s leadership, he has worked with colleagues to pass a sound and balanced budget months ahead of schedule each year that invests in important areas such as education, public safety and infrastructure. Leonard has also overseen a significant overhaul of Michigan’s rainy day fund, paying off substantial amounts of long-term debt that has hindered the state for years. By standing firm on the principle that government must be responsible and accountable with every taxpayer dollar Michigan’s bond rating has significantly increased, ensuring the state is prepared in times of crisis.

Campaigns

Leonard announced on August 11, 2011 that he was running for State Representative to represent Michigan's 93rd District. Leonard planned to embody "principled, conservative leadership in the State House" and on bringing his experience as a former prosecutor to stand up for the citizens of Michigan. Leonard received some prominent endorsements in the primary, including Senator Alan Cropsey, Clinton County Sheriff Wayne Kangas, and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce. After a hard-fought race, he narrowly won the August 7th Republican primary against Clinton County farmer Kevin Kirk by 204 votes. Leonard went on to win the 2012 November general election with 56.6% of the vote and assumed office in January 2013.

Leonard has been reelected to his seat twice, defeating Josh Derke by over 20% in 2014 and almost 30% in 2016. He ran for re-election with jobs and the economy, fiscal responsibility, fighting crime, defending life, the second amendment, agriculture, and senior citizens as issues central to his campaign. Leonard was supported by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Small Business Association of Michigan.