Hall Jumps On Leonard In Facebook Exchange

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 03/16/2026) On Friday night, former House Speaker and Republican gubernatorial candidate, Tom Leonard, posted photos on Facebook of himself smiling alongside Detroit sports legends for "313 Day," including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.

But when House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) came across the post Sunday night, he wasn't smiling. In fact, he jumped to the comments section, writing, "Looks like you were very cozy with Democrats when they controlled the House."

He also commented, "palling around with Democrats."

Because Leonard shared the photos on both his personal and campaign Facebook pages, the conversation and the replies quickly spread across both posts.

Responding in his personal account, Leonard dismissed the criticism, writing that he wasn't sure "what taking pictures with Detroit athletes has to do with Democrats."

He acknowledged having relationships across party lines, adding that during his time as speaker, lawmakers worked together to pass legislation expanding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the Legislature.

On his campaign account, Leonard offered additional context, explaining the photos were taken at a Boys and Girls Club of Greater Detroit fundraiser that included attendees from both political parties.

"Helping kids in Detroit at a non-profit fundraiser should never be partisan," he commented back.

Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) joined the chat when someone brought up the fact that Hall held a fundraiser with her last year.

Defending Leonard and criticizing Hall, Whitsett wrote, "If attacking Tom Leonard is how you choose to spend your time, that says a lot."

Whitsett added that Leonard has fostered relationships with politicians on both sides in order to move policy forward, arguing that governing requires "trust, maturity and the ability to work with people even when you don't agree with them."

Hall didn't back away after those remarks. Instead, he posted a 2022 comment from President Donald Trump, who previously criticized Leonard in a letter during his last AG race against Trump's favored candidate, Matt DePerno. Writing to Michigan Republican delegates, Trump labeled the former speaker "an absolute embarrassment to the GOP."

Despite the public backlash, Hall doubled down on his remarks. In a statement, he argued that Leonard failed to deliver conservative policy victories during his time leading the House. He also said that Leonard is "a lobbyist who is clearly auditioning to be (independent gubernatorial candidate) Mike Duggan's running mate."

Yet to Hall, Duggan is "too smart" to pick somebody with such "a record of losing."

"He's one of these Never-Trumpers who supported John Kasich and pals around with Democrats," Hall said. "Yet, he drops the ball every time he needs to deliver a victory for Republicans. He couldn't get an income tax cut or a roads deal done. He never made the state budget smaller. He lost back to back races for Attorney General. And President Trump has labeled him a RINO. He should probably just quit and go back to lobbying Democrats."

Rep. Matt Maddock (R-Milford) concurred with the assessment, agreeing with Hall that Leonard is clearly auditioning to be Duggan's running mate with these types of posts.

"And Trump still thinks he's still a RINO," Maddock quips.

This Sunday afternoon feud comes despite Hall having praised Leonard when he was Speaker. In 2017, Hall went to Facebook praising Leonard's policies and urged him to run for Attorney General.

A member of his caucus said they were disappointed to see the exchange over social media, especially when "families across our state expect us to focus on governing, debate policy, and delivering results."

Though the member said that fights between politicians might entertain the political class, they don't solve any problems in Michigan.

"Lansing has enough challenges right now without turning politics into online theater," the caucus member said. "Things have just gotten weird, and I hope they get normal soon."

Leonard said that his conservative record speaks for itself, noting that Hall himself has called him a great speaker, praising his work on the income tax cut and constitutional carry.

He suspects that Hall doesn't like his push for FOIA reform, or that the pressure of the job is getting to him.

"I feel for him and the pressure he is under," Leonard said. "But right now, Michigan needs leaders focused on real issues, not trolling Facebook to manufacture conflicts where none exist. I'll continue praying that he can find peace and work through any pain driving this behavior."