Paul R. Leonard is an American politician of the Ohio Democratic party.

Leonard was elected four times to seats in the Ohio General Assembly and then he served as mayor of Dayton, Ohio, from 1982 to 1986, until he was elected lieutenant governor of Ohio in 1986 on the ticket with Richard F. Celeste. He served as lieutenant governor from 1987 to 1991. He is a graduate of the Ohio University and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.

While mayor of Dayton, Leonard was known as outgoing and youth-oriented, sometimes called "the Rock 'N' Roll Mayor of Dayton." He played the electric guitar and appeared in television commercials.

After his tenure as lieutenant governor, Leonard returned to Dayton to practice law. He founded the Center for Animal Law and Advocacy, a legal team that advocates for harsher penalties for those who mistreat animals.

In addition to his law practice, Leonard teaches at Wright State University in Dayton. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Animal Legal Defense Fund. He has a son, Paul Leonard Jr., that graduated from the University of Florida.

Preceded by: Myrl Shoemaker	Lieutenant Governor of Ohio 1987-1991	Succeeded by: R. Michael DeWine
Preceded by: James McGee	Mayor of Dayton, Ohio 1982-1986	Succeeded by: Richard Clay Dixon