Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia, has formally left the Republican Party and joined the Democrats, highlighting growing tensions within the state GOP.
Duncan’s decision follows his endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race—a move that stirred controversy among Georgia Republicans.
In an interview with WABE’s “Morning Edition,” Duncan cited the election of President Donald Trump as a critical factor in his departure from the party that once held a special place in his political identity.
“That was the lens I looked through,” he said, explaining how the party’s trajectory conflicted with his principles.
Since entering politics as a state representative in 2013 and later serving as lieutenant governor, Duncan said he found it increasingly difficult to align with the Republican stance, particularly on gun policy.
He criticized party leadership for ignoring broader public sentiment, perceiving repeated efforts to restrict gun rights.
“Every time we had a gun conversation, it was kind of: neglect what the masses want. And that’s some sort of gun control,” Duncan stated.
Duncan officially announced his party change in an op-ed for the Atlanta Constitution-Journal, expressing a renewed commitment to community and compassion.
“Loving my neighbor is easier now,” he wrote, embracing his new Democratic affiliation.
A key turning point came during the 2020 election dispute in Georgia, where Duncan expressed frustration over how Republican leaders, including Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, handled challenges to election integrity.
While Kemp and Raffensperger rejected Trump’s claims of election fraud, Duncan saw the party as divided and unmoored, according to Trending Politics.
Endorsing Harris marked a notable shift for Duncan, who acknowledged the social costs of breaking with his former party.
“Neighbors and friends who used to wave at us stopped doing so,” he said.
Yet, he also found support from those eager for change, noting that new allies had emerged among Democrats, independents and “some common sense Republicans.”
Despite leaving the GOP, Duncan has not ruled out seeking future elected office as a Democrat.
He revealed receiving encouragement across the political spectrum to run again, driven by discontent with the current direction of both the party and the country.
“If Georgia wants someone who builds consensus and turns chaos into conversations, that’s a path I’ll consider,” he said.
Georgia’s political environment has become increasingly competitive, with the Democrats making gains in recent statewide elections.
Duncan’s party switch underscores the shifting allegiances and ideological battles reshaping the state’s political landscape.
The Republican Party has yet to issue an official response to Duncan’s defection, but many conservatives shared their opinions, with many referring to him as a RINO, or Republican in name only.
Still, his move is emblematic of broader unrest within GOP ranks, as members grapple with the party’s identity in the post-Trump era.
Duncan’s journey from rising GOP leader to Democratic convert illustrates the deep divisions affecting not only Georgia but also the national political scene.
His decision may signal further realignments as voters and politicians reconsider their affiliations amid evolving party dynamics.
The post Former Georgia Lieutenant Gov. Geoff Duncan Officially Switches to Democratic Party After GOP Fallout appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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