Republicans Oust Former Lt. Gov: Unpacking the Loyalty Rift

Man gets kicked by oversized shoe on spring.

Georgia’s Republican Party takes decisive action against former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, expelling him for alleged disloyalty and support of Democratic opponents.

At a Glance

  • Georgia GOP unanimously votes to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.
  • Duncan accused of undermining GOP candidates and endorsing Democrats.
  • Expulsion bans Duncan from GOP events and prohibits future party nominations.
  • Resolution demands Duncan stop calling himself a Republican.
  • Move highlights tension between party loyalty and individual political stances.

Georgia GOP Takes Drastic Measure Against Former Lt. Governor

In a stunning display of party discipline, the Georgia Republican Party’s State Executive Committee unanimously voted to expel former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan on January 6. This decision comes after accusations that Duncan repeatedly undermined GOP candidates and openly supported Democratic opponents, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.

The resolution passed by the committee is far-reaching in its consequences for Duncan. It not only bans him from all Georgia Republican Party properties and events but also prohibits him from qualifying as a candidate for the party in future elections. Furthermore, the party has taken the extraordinary step of expunging Duncan’s past GOP nominations from their records.

Party Loyalty vs. Individual Political Stances

This expulsion highlights the ongoing tension within political parties between maintaining collective loyalty and allowing for individual political stances. Duncan’s rift with the party began when he, along with Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, did not support former President Trump’s 2020 election fraud claims. While Kemp and Raffensperger remained in the party and won re-election in 2022, Duncan chose a different path, becoming a vocal critic of Trump and the MAGA movement.

“Geoff Duncan is hereby expelled from the Georgia Republican Party,” the resolution states. “We have demanded that Duncan cease calling himself a ‘Republican’ and using his false credential as a ‘Republican’ to undermine and sabotage the Republican Party and its candidates.”

The Georgia GOP’s actions against Duncan serve as a stark reminder of the consequences party members may face when they deviate from the established party line. This move is seen as an attempt to solidify party unity and mitigate internal disruption, especially as the party gears up for future electoral battles.

Duncan’s Response and Future Implications

Duncan, who chose not to run for re-election in 2022, has not taken this expulsion quietly. He criticized the decision on social media, questioning the party’s priorities and dismissing the move as “silly posturing.” His response underscores the deep divisions within the party and raises questions about the future direction of the GOP in Georgia and beyond.

“Hard to believe this is a good use of time for a party that’s only got a limited amount of time to figure out mass deportations, world peace, and global tariffs. Learn how to take a victory lap not light another dumpster fire @JoshMcKoon” – Geoff Duncan

The expulsion of Geoff Duncan from the Georgia Republican Party marks a significant moment in state politics. It demonstrates the party’s commitment to maintaining a unified front, even at the cost of losing prominent members. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, this event may serve as a cautionary tale for other Republicans considering breaking ranks with party leadership.

Sources:

  1. Georgia GOP boots ex-Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan from party, claiming the Harris supporter wasn’t a loyal Republican
  2. Georgia GOP expels former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan over alleged disloyalty
  3. Trump critic expelled from Georgia GOP in unanimous vote