NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly recently spoke with former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, a lifelong Republican, about his decision to support Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming election.
Geoff Duncan, who held the position of lieutenant governor from 2019 until the previous year, delivered a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention this summer. Speaking directly to his Republican peers, he encouraged them to vote for Kamala Harris, framing it as an act of patriotism rather than partisanship.
In an interview at the WABE studios in Atlanta, Duncan elaborated on his shift, attributing it to his disillusionment with former President Donald Trump. He described his growing discomfort during Trump’s tenure and cited the former president’s lack of preparedness and leadership as the breaking points for his continued support of the Republican Party.
Duncan affirmed his identity as a Republican and underscored his long-standing conservative political career. However, he differentiated himself by advocating for a less confrontational approach and stressed the importance of consensus-building. His experience as lieutenant governor allowed him to work effectively with members of both parties, which he used to promote bipartisan cooperation in legislation.
Responding to why more Republicans have not taken a similar stance, Duncan suggested that many privately share his views on Trump but hesitate to express them publicly due to the personal and political risks involved. He acknowledged the dangers and hostility he and his family faced but emphasized his commitment to making a positive difference.
Duncan also pointed out that the Democratic Party has been welcoming, respecting his differing views on various issues, and acknowledged his preference for bipartisan approaches during his tenure in the Georgia Senate. He noted that the quality of legislation often improved when it had bipartisan support.
Looking ahead, Duncan revealed his commitment to rebuilding the Republican Party, expressing hope that the party would eventually realign and allow him to return to a more active political role. Until then, he plans to continue his efforts to heal and strengthen his party.
The interview concluded with Duncan reiterating his reasons for supporting Kamala Harris and his ongoing dedication to conservative values while working across the aisle for the betterment of governance.
