Former Republican Geoff Duncan Announces Georgia Governor Run as Democrat

Geoff Duncan, the former Republican lieutenant governor of Georgia and a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, announced Tuesday that he is running for governor as a Democrat—a dramatic shift in a state where party-switchers have traditionally moved in the opposite direction.

“I’ve never wavered in taking on Trump. So Georgia Republicans threw me out of their party,” Duncan said in an announcement video. “I was leaving anyway. Now I’m running for governor as a proud Democrat.”

A 50-year-old resident of a Republican stronghold north of Atlanta, Duncan enters an already crowded Democratic field that includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, state Representative Derick Jackson, and former labor commissioner Michael Thurmond. Duncan positions himself as the most electable Democrat in a state that still leans slightly Republican, highlighting health care, cost-of-living issues, and his opposition to the GOP’s Trumpian turn as key campaign priorities.

“It’s time to win,” Duncan told The Associated Press. “I’m the only one who can bring Democrats, independents and disgusted Republicans to vote for us in November ’26.”

Political Background and Trump Opposition

Duncan was elected lieutenant governor in 2018 after one term in the state House. Two years later, Democrat Joe Biden narrowly carried Georgia. While Gov. Brian Kemp and other Georgia Republicans resisted Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election, Duncan was among the most outspoken opponents.

He declined to seek reelection in 2022, instead becoming a paid CNN contributor. The Georgia GOP formally excommunicated him in January, citing his public support for Democrats, including speaking at the 2024 Democratic National Convention on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris.

“For someone who once proclaimed himself to be about principle over politics, it turns out the only principle that guides Geoff Duncan is his insatiable appetite for attention,” said state Republican Party Chairman Josh McKoon.

Duncan counters that the party, not he, has changed. “I’m still the same Geoff Duncan that knocked on doors and told folks that I was going to do it a different way,” he said, emphasizing his consistent opposition to Trump.

Policy Shifts and Democratic Appeal

Some of Duncan’s past accomplishments, such as supporting a state hate crimes law and improvements to foster care, could appeal to Democratic voters. However, his previous “100% pro-life” stance and support for Georgia’s 2019 law restricting most abortions have drawn scrutiny. Duncan now says he supports a woman’s right to choose, citing a shift in perspective.

He also points to GOP opposition to Medicaid expansion and stricter gun regulations as examples of Republican policies he can no longer support, framing his switch in moral as well as political terms. “Democrats have a much bigger tool bag of tools to use to help folks in need,” he said.

Crowded Field and Democratic Competition

Duncan faces questions about whether he can secure enough Democratic support to win the nomination. Bottoms, Esteves, Jackson, and Thurmond each bring their own appeal to moderates and progressives. Bottoms emphasized her record on Medicaid expansion and reproductive rights, while Esteves criticized Duncan’s previous anti-abortion stance, saying, “Georgia women won’t forget.” Thurmond, 72, boasts decades of statewide experience and governance in DeKalb County.

Supporters highlight Duncan’s youth and experience winning statewide office, arguing he can appeal to independents and moderate Republicans dissatisfied with Trumpism. But with multiple high-profile candidates in the race, Duncan will need to persuade Democratic voters that his party switch reflects principle, not ambition.