The Georgia Republican Party has formally severed ties with former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, accusing him of actively undermining Republican candidates and exploiting his party affiliation for personal gain. The State Executive Committee unanimously voted to expel Duncan on January 6th, marking a decisive end to years of escalating tensions and accusations of disloyalty. This expulsion bans Duncan from all GOP-owned properties and events, revokes his previous Republican nominations for lieutenant governor and state representative, and prohibits him from qualifying as a Republican candidate in the future. The party has also requested media outlets refer to him as an “expelled Republican” in all future mentions.
The resolution outlining Duncan’s expulsion details a litany of grievances, centering on his alleged efforts to sabotage Republican candidates and endorse their Democratic opponents. Specifically, the party points to Duncan’s public support for President Biden and, following Biden’s withdrawal, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 presidential race as a clear violation of party loyalty. Furthermore, the resolution alleges Duncan undermined the campaigns of prominent Republican figures like current Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and 2022 Senate candidate Herschel Walker. This, according to the Georgia GOP, constitutes a betrayal of the party and its principles.
Beyond electoral politics, the resolution also accuses Duncan of misrepresenting his educational background and professional experience, engaging in a “pattern of false and exaggerated claims.” The Georgia GOP further criticizes Duncan’s role as a CNN commentator, arguing that he leveraged his Republican title to attack the party on a national platform. This, in their view, compounded his disloyalty and warranted expulsion. The resolution effectively demands that Duncan cease identifying himself as a Republican for personal or political gain, thereby preventing him from further undermining the party and its candidates.
Duncan responded to the expulsion on social media, dismissing the action as a misallocation of the party’s time and resources. He sarcastically suggested that the GOP should focus on more pressing issues like “mass deportations, world peace, and global tariffs” rather than engaging in internal disputes. He directly addressed Georgia GOP chair Josh McKoon, accusing him of “lighting another dumpster fire” instead of celebrating Republican victories. This public exchange further underscores the deep rift between Duncan and the Georgia Republican establishment.
Prior to the expulsion, Georgia Republican Party chair Josh McKoon had publicly demanded that Duncan refrain from using his Republican credentials in media appearances and public statements. This preemptive action signaled the growing dissatisfaction within the party ranks with Duncan’s actions and rhetoric. The subsequent expulsion solidified this stance, formally distancing the Georgia GOP from Duncan and his political activities.
The expulsion of Geoff Duncan from the Georgia Republican Party marks a significant development in the state’s political landscape. It highlights the growing internal divisions within the GOP and the party’s increasing intolerance for dissent. Duncan’s expulsion serves as a warning to other Republicans who may consider deviating from the party line, emphasizing the potential consequences of challenging the established leadership and endorsing opposing candidates. The long-term impact of this decision on the Georgia Republican Party and the broader political landscape remains to be seen. However, it undoubtedly reflects a hardening of ideological lines and a growing emphasis on party unity, even at the expense of individual expression and dissent.
