Leonard Announces “Next Generation Coalition”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER 20, 2025

A new youth-led conservative coalition to shape Michigan’s future

Traverse City, MI — Prior to taking the stage at the last of three GOP Gubernatorial debates, Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard announced the launch of his Next Generation Coalition, a new statewide effort bringing college Republicans and young professionals together to give Michigan’s rising conservative leaders a stronger voice in shaping the state’s future.

The coalition launches with 60 members from colleges and communities across the state. The four co-chairs guiding the coalition are: Steven Alee, Alex Bitzan, Aleks Evans and Jasper Gugino.

“A lot of us are looking for leaders who actually understand what younger people are dealing with,” Bitzan said. “What stands out is that Tom talks about these problems honestly and offers real solutions. It feels like he’s genuinely listening, and that matters to a lot of us.”

The coalition will highlight issues affecting many young people across Michigan, from the lack of affordability of everyday items and limited early-career opportunities to ongoing debates around free expression on college campuses and the role faith plays in life. Members will help inform policy, build campus-to-career networks, and lead outreach to young conservatives seeking meaningful change.

“As Michigan’s next Governor, I’m done watching young people feel pushed out of our state,” said Leonard. “We’re going to make Michigan a place where the next generation can lead, build, and actually want to stay. When young leaders speak boldly and step up to claim their future, real renewal begins.”

The Next Generation Coalition will help lead events on college campuses, organize listening sessions with young workers across Michigan, and play a central role in shaping the campaign’s youth-focused affordability and jobs agenda.

Steven Alee, a leader among Michigan College Republicans, said young voters are rallying behind Leonard because he recognizes the challenges they face every day.

“A lot of us just want to feel like we’re actually part of the conversation about Michigan’s future,” Alee said. “Tom Leonard earned our respect by inviting us into the conversation, not by trying to win us over with superficial gestures. That’s why we are standing with him.”

For more information or the full list of coalition members, contact media@tomformichigan.com.

Next Generation Coalition – Founding Members

Steven Alee

Alex Bitzan

Ty Bommarito

Daniel Bruno

Alex Campbell

Pedro Chavez III

RW Cochran

Calvin Cody

Emma Curtis

Jacob Dewitt

Karsen Diehl

Patrick Driscoll

Talen Duane

Jordan Dunn

Aleks Evans

Gabrielle Godau

Anton Gegaj

Cade Godwin

Amelia Grenz

Jasper Gugino

Brett Guzman

Aidan Haas

Zachary Harding

Aaron Henry

Nick Joerin

Nathen Kammeraad

Alexander Kelly

Andreanna LaRue

Sylvia List

Matthew Logan

Sam Lucido

Connor Lupton

Zack Maurer

Victoria Mbadiwe

Stephen McGeehan

Blake Monson

Carter Monson

Danielle Olson

Hayden Patick

Evan Potter

Alex Rajcevski

Levi Rajda

Nick Rees

Alex Richmond

Hayden Rometty

Brayden Russo

Cooper Scavo

Nick Slager

Zachary Smith

Preston Soisaleansack

Aiden Tanis

Robbie Telmos

Luke Thelen

Karlee VanAntwerp

Caleb Vanderberg

Caden Vanderberg

Dayne Webb

Gabe Wiechert

Rebecca Yager

Braydon Zupin

College Republican Chairs backing Tom

Michigan

Michigan State

Central Michigan

Western Michigan

Hope

Ferris State

Saint Clair Community College

Delta

Calvin

Schools with Turning Point Chair backing Tom

Michigan State

Central Michigan

Grand Valley State University

Michigan Tech

Schools represented

Michigan

Michigan State

Central Michigan

Western Michigan

Hope

Ferris State

Saint Clair Community College

Delta

Calvin

Grand Valley

Michigan Tech

Kalamazoo Community College