DeWitt, MI — Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard today unveiled his Michigan Second Amendment Freedom Plan, a comprehensive agenda to restore constitutional freedoms, strengthen due process protections, and make Michigan the most pro-Second Amendment state in the Midwest.

The announcement comes amid growing rhetoric from elected officials attacking lawful gun ownership. In a recent social media post highlighted publicly, the mayor of Grand Rapids reportedly stated that “if you have a gun, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Leonard called that mindset “sick and dangerous.”

“Millions of Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Michiganders, responsibly own firearms for self-defense, hunting, sport shooting, and protection of their families,” Leonard said. “To suggest they should feel ‘ashamed’ for exercising a constitutional right shows how out of touch and dangerous certain politicians are.”

Leonard said his Michigan Second Amendment Freedom Plan is a proactive response to the mayor’s nonsensical remarks.

“When public officials spout nonsense about law-abiding citizens, silence only encourages more nonsense,” Leonard said. “I’m not in the business of standing by. Michigan families have a constitutional right to protect themselves and today we’re putting a plan on the table to make sure they can.”

Leonard, a former prosecutor, added that gun control rhetoric ignores basic reality.

“As a former prosecutor, I can tell you this: criminals don’t follow gun laws,” Leonard said. “They don’t apply for permits. They don’t comply with restrictions. And the more we restrict the constitutional freedoms of law-abiding citizens, the more we empower the very criminals we’re supposed to be stopping. Public safety starts with allowing innocent people to protect themselves and their families – not tying their hands.”

Leonard pledged to work with lawmakers to introduce the package immediately upon taking office.

Key Components of the Michigan Second Amendment Freedom Plan

Restore Individual Freedom

• Make Michigan a Constitutional Carry State:

  • You should never have to ask the government permission – or pay a fee- to exercise a constitutional right.

• Repeal Red Flag and “Safe Storage” Laws:

  • No one should lose their constitutional rights without full due process. And the government should not dictate how you protect your own home and family.

• Protect and expand Stand Your Ground Protections:

  • If you are legally present and threatened, you and your family should never be forced to retreat from evil. As a former prosecutor, I will stand firmly with victims – not criminals.

• Codify and Clarify Concealed Carry Reciprocity:

  • Constitutional rights shouldn’t stop at the border.

• Enact a Second Amendment Preservation Act:

  • State resources should not be used to enforce unconstitutional federal gun laws. If Washington overreaches, we will defend the rights of our citizens.

• Strengthening State Preemption Laws to Hold Local Governments Accountable:

  • Local governments should not be allowed to create a confusing patchwork of gun restrictions that undermine your rights. We will hold rogue local officials accountable if they attempt to violate your second amendment.

Protect Michigan's Hunting Heritage and Firearm Industry

• Protect Firearm Manufacturers and Retailers From Politically Motivated Lawsuits:

  • We will stop activist attempts to bankrupt lawful businesses for political reasons. Michigan should be a state that defends its industries, not targets them.

• Prohibit State Contracts with Financial Institutions that Discriminate Against Firearm Businesses:

  • If a financial institution chooses politics over lawful commerce and the constitution, it should not receive taxpayer contracts or do business with the state. We will not reward discrimination against constitutional industries.

• Expand and Preserve Michigan’s Hunting Traditions:

  • Hunting is a heritage, conservation, and family tradition. We will promote voluntary hunter safety education, support youth marksmanship and competitive shooting programs, and ensure the next generation understands both responsibility and freedom.

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