Geoff Duncan Considers Gubernatorial Run as a Democrat

Atlanta, GA, August 20, 2025

News Summary

Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan is exploring a bid for Georgia governor in 2026 after switching from Republican to Democrat. His party switch followed his expulsion from the GOP due to accusations of undermining party candidates. Duncan’s potential candidacy will see him competing against notable Democratic figures, addressing key issues such as healthcare access and gun violence.

Atlanta, Georgia – Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan Explores Gubernatorial Bid as a Democrat

Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia, is contemplating a run for governor in 2026. This decision follows his recent switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. In an exclusive interview, Duncan expressed that he and his team are currently evaluating the prospects of his candidacy. His transition to the Democratic Party was prompted by his expulsion from the Georgia GOP, which he faced in January 2025 due to accusations of undermining the party and endorsing Democratic candidates.

If Duncan decides to pursue the governorship, he will enter a competitive field of five other Democratic candidates. This group includes notable figures such as former state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, State Senator Jason Esteves, State Representative Derrick Jackson, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and businessman/pastor Olu Brown. All these candidates are closely associated with Atlanta and bring diverse backgrounds as minority candidates.

Duncan served as Georgia’s 12th lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023 and chose not to run for reelection in 2024. Since switching parties, he has described himself as a more moderate alternative to the other candidates in the upcoming race. His political background includes a stint in the Georgia House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017 and a former career as a professional baseball player, which was cut short by an injury.

Background of Party Switch and Political Stance

Duncan’s switch to the Democratic Party comes amidst a shift in Georgia’s political landscape. The state, which narrowly voted for Donald Trump in 2020, has since leaned back towards GOP control in the 2024 elections. Throughout his career, Duncan has voiced his discontent with party ideology and decisions, especially regarding blocked gun control measures and the refusal to expand Medicaid in Georgia. This disillusionment eventually led to his departure from the Republican Party.

His recent political activities include becoming a commentator on CNN, where he has been critical of former President Trump’s actions during the 2020 election protests. Additionally, Duncan made headlines by delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2024, where he endorsed then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

Duncan’s decision to run as a Democrat may raise skepticism among potential voters regarding his previous support for conservative policies. Political analysts suggest that this history may complicate his candidacy as he attempts to align with the more progressive aspects of the Democratic Party. However, he notes receiving encouragement from constituents of various political backgrounds as he considers his future in politics.

Challenges Ahead

As Duncan weighs his options, it is clear that running for governor as a Democrat poses both opportunities and challenges. The crowded primary field may complicate his efforts to distinguish himself from other candidates who have long been part of the Democratic establishment. Nevertheless, Duncan aims to address critical state issues, including healthcare access and gun violence, as part of his political platform should he choose to run.

In summary, Duncan’s shift from the GOP to the Democratic Party marks a significant change in his political trajectory. His potential candidacy adds an intriguing layer to Georgia’s evolving political scene as he navigates the complexities of party affiliation and voter expectation in the upcoming gubernatorial race.

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Additional Resources

• AJC: Geoff Duncan Charts Course to Democratic Party
• Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia GOP Expels Duncan
• Google Search: Georgia Governors Race 2026
• HuffPost: Geoff Duncan Switches Parties
• Google Scholar: Geoff Duncan Democrat
• Atlanta News First: Republican Turned Democrat
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Geoff Duncan
• 11Alive: Geoff Duncan Weighs His Options
• Google News: Geoff Duncan Georgia Politics

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.