Ex-lieutenant governor Duncan could become No Labels candidate 

The third-party presidential movement ‘No Labels’ is considering former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan as a potential White House contender leading a “unity” ticket following the decision of several prominent candidates not to run.

No Labels perceive an opportunity for a third-party candidacy after examining recent polling data.

During a recent virtual meeting, the group’s 800 delegates from all 50 states voted to support an independent candidate, and a source with direct knowledge of the discussions indicated that Duncan, a Republican, could be chosen to spearhead this effort.

Duncan, known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump and his allies since the 2020 election, has articulated his vision of a “GOP 2.0” that transcends divisive rhetoric in his book. He has often taken positions contrary to those of his party, notably refusing to endorse Herschel Walker, the Trump-backed U.S. Senate nominee in 2022, and abstaining from supporting the campaign of his successor, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, both of whom were Trump loyalists. Additionally, Duncan played a pivotal role as a witness in the Fulton County election interference trial against Trump and his associates.

In 2018, Duncan garnered nearly 2 million votes, reflecting his popularity in the state and developed a persona as a political maverick during his tenure as Georgia’s lieutenant governor. He endeavored to raise his profile through media appearances and commentary following his departure from office in 2023.

Despite concerns from Biden supporters that such an attempt might jeopardize his chances, particularly in critical battleground states like Georgia, where the 2020 race was decided by fewer than 12,000 votes, the group has amassed a significant financial reserve from undisclosed donors as they search for a candidate.

Unlike many of his Republican counterparts who aligned themselves with Trump or avoided confronting him, Duncan consistently challenged the falsehoods surrounding the 2020 election, drawing criticism from within his party.

As a former professional baseball player and three-term member of the Georgia House, Duncan emerged as a rising star in Georgia politics, initially aligning himself with Gov. Brian Kemp and endorsing U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler.

Describing him as an intriguing candidate with a willingness to stand up for his convictions, many within No Labels praised Duncan’s courage in challenging Trump.