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EXCLUSIVE – Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan asserts that President Donald Trump’s recent social media criticisms of his political realignment serve to validate his change from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.
On Friday, Trump expressed his discontent with Duncan on his Truth Social platform. He labeled the former lieutenant governor as a “failed” politician, stating, “Failed former Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan of Georgia is a total loser,” and accused him of accomplishing nothing during his tenure.
The president further claimed that Duncan was never effective and concluded, “We didn’t want him in the Republican Party any longer, so I’m told he became a Democrat. Good riddance Geoff. You don’t even have a chance!”
In response to Trump’s remarks, Duncan engaged in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. He articulated, “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 that reflects the positive values I wish to champion.”
Reasons Behind the Shift
Duncan elaborated on the philosophical and policy reasons behind his shift in political allegiance. He indicated that his time in office illuminated paths to public service that promote empathy and kindness. He declared, “I find it easier to love my neighbor as a Democrat. It’s not a perfect landing spot, but it gives me a better opportunity each day when I wake up to love my neighbor.”
Policy Matters
Among the policy issues motivating his decision are health care, gun safety, immigration, and poverty. Duncan emphasized that successful governance hinges on an inclusive approach that addresses societal concerns, rather than fostering division.
While maintaining a cordial tone, he expressed, “So I wish him the best of luck. 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.”
Political Landscape in Georgia
Duncan’s departure from the GOP and his endorsement of Democratic candidates underscore the evolving political landscape in Georgia. He endorsed Joe Biden in the upcoming 2024 presidential race and later pledged support for Vice President Kamala Harris after she replaced Biden at the top of the Democrats’ ticket. In addition, Duncan delivered a notable address at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last August.
Earlier this year, the Georgia Republican Party expelled Duncan, labeling him a disloyal party member. He reflected on his experiences within the GOP, stating, “Neither party is hitting it out of the park. You don’t have to look any further than the stats to see that Republicans have their issues. Democrats certainly have their issues.”
Duncan’s commentary suggests a schism within the Republican Party, attributing some of the challenges to Trump’s influence. He noted, “Donald Trump has sucked the life and future out of the Republican Party, in my opinion.”
Prospective Political Aspirations
Looking toward his future, Duncan hinted at the possibility of running for governor in Georgia in 2026. He confirmed that discussions surrounding a potential candidacy have intensified. He stated, “My family and I are certainly not ready to make that big of a decision right here, right now. But it is something that we are considering for sure. I mean, my phone has continued to ring for months on end, from Democrats, independents and even some folks on the right that want us to consider this.”
When pressed about the timeline for a potential announcement, he remarked, “2026 is coming like a freight train. And certainly, if this is a decision that we go forward with, it’ll have to be within a few months.”
Calls for Moderation
Duncan emphasized the importance of moderation within the Democratic Party, particularly in Georgia. He suggested, “If Democrats, especially in Georgia, want to be successful, they’re going to have to live in the middle and not the fringes. They’re going to have a moderate slate of candidates that are able to use common sense to provide their leadership.”
He remarked on the urgency of finding a viable Democratic candidate to challenge the leading Republican contenders in the gubernatorial race. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and state Attorney General Chris Carr are expected to be at the forefront, raising concerns about the potential implications of a Trump-aligned candidate winning the election.
Duncan cautioned against the risks of having a Republican leader beholden to Trump as he argued, “The Republican slate is going to be dominated by whoever Donald Trump endorses, and that person is going to be a sock puppet for Donald Trump. No Georgian wants that. They need effective leadership to manage education and safety issues within the community.”
Georgia’s Political Future
As the political landscape evolves ahead of the 2024 elections, Duncan insists that Georgia will retain its status as a focal point in national politics. He remarked, “Georgia is going to continue to be the political center of the universe, as we watch the Senate race shape up. I do think Georgia has an opportunity to lead the rest of the country, and I hope we take advantage of that.”
Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
