Geoff Duncan, once a Republican and now a Democrat, has announced his intention to challenge President Donald Trump if he secures the governorship of Georgia in the upcoming election.
Duncan, who previously served as Georgia's lieutenant governor, declared his candidacy on Tuesday, entering an already competitive Democratic primary field.
According to Fox News, Duncan criticized Trump as he launched his campaign, stating, "I will stand up to Trump and his yes men in our state while bringing down the costs of childcare, health care, and housing so every Georgia family is in the best position possible." His political journey has been marked by a significant shift from his Republican roots, having served in Georgia's legislature before being elected lieutenant governor in 2018.
Duncan chose not to seek re-election in 2022, focusing instead on what he described as "healing and rebuilding a Republican Party that is damaged but not destroyed."
Duncan's departure from the GOP was underscored by his endorsement of Joe Biden in the 2024 presidential race, followed by his support for Kamala Harris when she became the Democratic nominee. His high-profile speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last summer further solidified his new political alignment.
Earlier this year, the Georgia Republican Party expelled him, a move Duncan addressed in his campaign launch video, saying, "I never wavered in taking on Trump. So Georgia Republicans threw me out of their party. I was leaving anyway."
Now running as a Democrat, Duncan aims to prioritize issues that resonate with Georgians. He joins a primary field that includes notable figures such as former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond, and former State Sen. Jason Esteves. On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has received Trump's endorsement, is competing against state Attorney General Chris Carr.
The upcoming general election will determine the successor to the popular GOP Governor Brian Kemp, who is term-limited. Duncan's party switch in August prompted a sharp response from President Trump, who took to social media to label him "a total loser," asserting, "We didnt want him in the Republican Party any longer, so Im told he became a Democrat. Good riddance Geoff. You dont even have a chance!!!"
In response to Trump's criticisms, Duncan remarked in a Fox News Digital interview, "I think he's making my case for me that the Republican Party no longer wants to love their neighbor. There's nothing in that tweet or Truth Social post or whatever that shows any sort of attitude that I want to be a part of."
He further criticized Trump's leadership, stating, "I hope he figures out how to run this country better than he is now for the next couple of years. But I'm proud to not be a Republican, especially with him at the tip of the spear."
Duncan's candidacy represents a significant shift in Georgia's political landscape, as he seeks to redefine his political identity and challenge the status quo in a state that remains a crucial battleground.
Login