Former Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan announced that he will be voting for President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election. Duncan, who has always been a member of the GOP, stated that he believes Trump has disqualified himself through his behavior and character and he would rather vote for a decent person with whom he may disagree on policy, than support a candidate he views as morally lacking. Duncan outlined his reasons for not supporting the GOP nominee, stating that a second term for Trump would hinder the Republican Party’s ability to move forward.
Duncan criticized members of his own party, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, for aligning themselves with Trump. He also expressed disappointment in former Attorney General Bill Barr, who has stated he would vote for Trump over Biden in the upcoming election despite being one of Trump’s most vocal critics. Duncan emphasized the need to move on from the Trump era in order for the GOP to rebuild, urging conservative Republicans like himself to consider voting for Biden as an alternative.
Duncan highlighted Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, which led him and other Georgia GOP election officials to push back against Trump’s claims of fraud in the state. Duncan, who was president of the Georgia state Senate at the time, testified in front of a grand jury regarding Trump’s efforts to overturn the election. He expressed disgust at Trump’s attacks on Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, as well as the threats received by elected officials in Georgia as a result.
In response to Trump’s actions and behavior, Duncan announced that he would not seek reelection in 2022 and instead focus on reforming the GOP. He spoke about the need for the party to move past the Trump era in order to heal and rebuild. Duncan’s decision to publicly support Biden over Trump demonstrates his belief that Trump is not fit to lead, and his willingness to break from party lines in order to support a candidate he sees as more morally grounded.
Overall, Duncan’s decision to support Biden and his criticisms of Trump and members of his own party reflect a growing divide within the GOP between those who continue to support Trump and those who believe it is time to move on. Duncan’s stance underscores the challenges faced by Republicans in navigating a post-Trump political landscape and the importance of prioritizing character and integrity in political leadership. As the party grapples with its identity moving forward, voices like Duncan’s will play a crucial role in shaping its future direction.
