FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2026
Contact: Hannah Osantowske
press@johnjamesmi.com
Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard Endorses John James After Exiting Race for Governor
Leonard Joins Rob O’Neill, Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, and Growing Coalition of Battleground Republicans Behind James
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Former Michigan House Speaker Tom Leonard announced his endorsement of John James for Governor live on Fox 2 Detroit with anchor Roop Raj, throwing his support behind James as the Republican field consolidates.
Leonard, who suspended his own gubernatorial campaign last month, is throwing his full support behind James ahead of the August 4 Republican primary.
“Michigan is at a crossroads, and John James is the right leader for this moment. He’s a combat veteran, a man of faith, and like me, a dad who wants to make sure his kids never have to leave the greatest state in the country just to find opportunity. I believe Michigan’s best days are ahead, but only with the right leadership. John is that candidate, and I’m proud to stand with him.”
— Tom Leonard
Leonard served as Speaker of the Michigan House from 2017 to 2018 and brings a record of fighting for lower taxes, accountable government, and Michigan families.
“My friend Tom Leonard and I got into this race for the same reason. We are dads with three young kids and a deep faith in God. We looked at what is happening to our state and said someone has to step up. Schools failing. Small businesses crushed. Crime out of control. Common sense gone. Michigan’s radical Democrats did that. Tom knows our mission is the one to turn it around.”
— John James
“Tom is not alone. Rob O’Neill. Kid Rock. Ted Nugent. Parents. Faith leaders. Battleground Republicans. Small business owners. Everyone is coming together because we love this state too much to hand it over to the radical left. It is going to take all of us. That is how we make this the greatest state in America to live, work, and raise a family.”
— John James
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