LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Retired Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue, the first woman to serve as Director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), has officially endorsed Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Leonard. In a July 17 press release, Leonard announced the endorsement as well as Etue’s role as Chair of his campaign’s newly formed Law Enforcement Coalition.
Etue, whose public safety career spans more than three decades, including eight years as MSP Director, is widely respected for her leadership and integrity in Michigan’s law enforcement community. Her endorsement brings added weight to Leonard’s campaign, particularly in the area of public safety – a central issue in his platform.
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“I’ve worked with leaders at every level of government,” Etue stated in a press release. “Tom Leonard is the kind of strong, principled leader we need in the Governor’s office. He understands that public safety is what makes it possible for people to live freely and build strong communities.”
Law enforcement coalition to advise campaign.
The Tom Leonard Law Enforcement Coalition will bring together current and retired law enforcement professionals from across Michigan. The coalition aims to advise the campaign on key public safety issues, including crime prevention, officer recruitment, and policy reform. It will also serve as a forum for law enforcement voices to shape the conversation on how to best protect Michigan communities.
Leonard praised Etue’s service, stating, “Colonel Etue has spent her life protecting the people of Michigan and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. Her endorsement carries great significance and speaks volumes about our shared commitment to public service.”
Retired Col. Etue: A proven record in law enforcement.
Appointed by Republican Governor Rick Snyder in January of 2011, Etue served as the first female Director of the MSP until her retirement in December 2018. Her career with MSP began in 1987 as a member of the 101st recruit school and included leading the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division as Captain, making her one of just six women in the nation to serve as a state emergency management director at the time. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks to lead the agency.
Additionally, the MSP has a “Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue Community Impact Award,” an annual honor bestowed by the state-level law enforcement agency. The award recognizes a trooper or sergeant who demonstrates exceptional leadership, dedication, and personal involvement in building meaningful, positive relationships between police and the community.
Leonard: a law and order agenda.
Leonard, a former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, has a campaign platform that includes strengthening support for law enforcement. A former prosecutor, Leonard says that law enforcement agencies are in crisis – citing record-high assaults on officers, widespread staffing shortages, and plummeting morale, especially within the MSP.
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His plan focuses on recruiting and retaining officers through signing bonuses, better pay, mental health resources, and expanded certification programs. He also vows to restore respect for police by promoting merit-based advancement and pledging to veto any legislation that would eliminate cash bail or qualified immunity. Leonard says Michigan must be a state that backs its officers and keeps its communities safe.
Leonard plans to restore confidence in the MSP.
In a recent X post, Leonard said, “The Michigan State Police is at a crossroads. As a former prosecutor, standing with law enforcement is a top priority for me.”
Current MSP Director Col. James Grady has been facing mounting pressure to resign following a 98.48% no-confidence vote from both troopers and command officers, driven by complaints about low morale, leadership turnover, internal miscommunication and scandals plaguing the agency. Grady, who took over in September 2023 after being appointed to the post by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer, defended his leadership during a recent legislative hearing. However, critics argue his decisions – such as controversial promotions and lack of communication – have deepened internal frustrations rather than resolved them.
Leonard opponents.
Leonard is running in a crowded Republican field for Michigan governor, facing off against fellow candidates U.S. Representative John James, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, former Attorney General Mike Cox, Genesee County truck driver Anthony Hudson, and Traverse City entrepreneur and Army National Guard veteran Evan Space in the upcoming primary on August 4, 2026.
Focused on safety, committed to service.
As public safety remains a top concern for Michigan voters – particularly with rising concerns over crimes tied to illegal immigration – Leonard’s partnership with Etue highlights his commitment to making law enforcement a top priority. By naming the former MSP director to lead his advisory team, Leonard is signaling a return to seasoned leadership and commonsense strategies aimed at restoring safety and order in Michigan communities.
