Former state House Speaker Tom Leonard announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from the race for governor, saying the decision came after months of reflection on the direction of the campaign and the standards he was unwilling to compromise.
In a statement, Leonard said his campaign had spent the past 10 months traveling across Michigan, meeting voters, and promoting what he described as “bold, positive leadership focused on real solutions.” He credited family members, staff, and supporters for sustaining the effort, expressing gratitude for their time, energy, and encouragement.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Leonard said, adding that the move followed “an honest look at the path forward” as the race evolved.
Leonard emphasized that continuing in the contest would have required changes to his campaign approach and personal values, which he said he was unwilling to make. “I’m not willing to compromise who I am or how I believe this campaign should be run in order to win,” he said.
The withdrawal comes as the gubernatorial race in Michigan continues to take shape ahead of the November election, with candidates across both major parties working to consolidate support and define their platforms. Political observers note that departures at this stage can shift the dynamics of a competitive primary field.
Despite ending his bid, Leonard indicated he plans to remain active in public policy and advocacy. “While this chapter is closing, we are not going anywhere when it comes to fighting for the issues that matter,” he said.
Leonard also called for unity moving forward, urging voters and leaders to focus on shared priorities as the election approaches.
No immediate endorsement of another candidate was announced.
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