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Geoff Duncan, the former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, has announced his departure from the Republican Party to join the Democratic Party. Duncan expressed that this decision has been a long time coming due to his disagreements with the GOP.
In an op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Duncan shared that his transition to the Democratic Party began even before the controversial events surrounding the 2020 presidential election. He specifically criticized former President Donald Trump’s attempts to challenge the election results.
“My shift towards becoming a Democrat started prior to the 2020 election controversy instigated by Donald Trump in Georgia,” Duncan revealed in his op-ed.
“There isn’t a specific date or event that marked the precise moment my political stance evolved, but it has changed,” he continued. “My decision was influenced by my daily struggle to show compassion for my fellow citizens, as a Republican.”
GEORGIA GOP EXPELS FORMER LT. GOV. GEOFF DUNCAN FROM PARTY, CITING ALLEGED DISLOYALTY
Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan announced he is leaving the GOP and joining the Democratic Party. (Getty Images)
Duncan highlighted various policy issues that influenced his party switch, particularly criticizing the Republican Party’s approach to healthcare, Medicaid, gun control, immigration, and support for low-income individuals.
He emphasized that his tenure in office taught him that the most effective way to “love my neighbor” is through public policy. Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Duncan was a member of the Georgia House from 2013 to 2017. He opted not to seek re-election as lieutenant governor in 2022.
The former Republican politician pointed out that GOP lawmakers have historically advocated for job creation as a solution to lack of health insurance. However, he noted that many uninsured individuals in Georgia come from working households but still lack insurance due to financial constraints.
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Duncan served as lieutenant governor as a Republican from 2019 until 2023. (Getty Images)
Duncan criticized the recent spending bill endorsed by Trump, stating that it would significantly impact Medicaid funding and cut resources from essential programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
He also expressed support for gun control measures like universal background checks and red-flag laws, while condemning the Trump administration’s immigration policies for their lack of compassion.
Following his expulsion from the Georgia Republican Party earlier this year due to alleged disloyalty, Duncan officially joined the Democratic Party. The party resolution cited his endorsements of Biden and Harris, as well as efforts to undermine Republican candidates.
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Throughout the years, Duncan has been a vocal critic of Trump and the Republican Party, particularly in light of the events surrounding the 2020 election and the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
“The reasons for my transition to the Democratic Party continue to multiply,” Duncan asserted. “Above all, my decision allows me to embody the value of loving my neighbor on a daily basis.”
