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{{short description|12th lieutenant governor of Georgia}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Jeff Duncan (politician)|Jeff Duncan]], United States Representative from South Carolina}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2018}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Geoff Duncan
|name = Geoff Duncan
|image = [[File:GeoffDuncan2018.jpg|thumb|Geoff Duncan is a candidate for Lt. Governor of Georgia]]
|image = GeoffDuncan2018.jpg
|alt = Portrait of Geoff Duncan in blue dress shirt with sleeves rolled up and red necktie, arms folded, in front of a U.S. flag.
|state_house = Georgia
|office = 12th [[Lieutenant Governor of Georgia]]
|district = 26th
|governor = [[Brian Kemp]]
|term_start = 2013
|term_start = January 14, 2019
|term_end = 2017
|term_end = January 9, 2023
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|4|1}}
|predecessor = Carl Rogers
|predecessor = [[Casey Cagle]]
|successor = Marc Morris
|successor = [[Burt Jones]]
|state_house1 = Georgia
|birth_place =
|death_date =
|district1 = 26th
|term_start1 = January 14, 2013
|death_place =
|term_end1 = August 28, 2017
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|predecessor1 = Carl Rogers
|education = Georgia Tech
|successor1 = [[Marc Morris (politician)|Marc Morris]]
|spouse = Brooke Duncan
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|4|1}}
|website = http://teamduncan.org/
|birth_place = [[Atlanta|Atlanta, Georgia]], U.S.
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
|spouse = Brooke Duncan
|children = 3
|education = [[Georgia Institute of Technology]]
}}
}}
'''Geoffrey L. Duncan''' (born April 1, 1975) is an American businessman and politician from the [[U.S. state|state]] of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. He is a former member of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]], and is running for [[Lieutenant Governor of Georgia]] in the 2018 elections.
'''Geoffrey L. Duncan''' (born April 1, 1975) is an American politician, businessman, and public speaker who served as the 12th [[lieutenant Governor of Georgia]] from 2019 to 2023. A member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]], Duncan is a former member of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]].


After playing [[college baseball]] for the [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball|Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets]], Duncan played [[professional baseball]] for six years, until a shoulder injury ended his baseball career. He went into business and was elected to the Georgia House in 2012. Duncan was elected lieutenant governor in [[2018 Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election|2018]], but he did not seek re-election in [[2022 Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election|2022]], with fellow Republican [[Burt Jones]] being elected to replace him.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Prabhu |first=Maya T. |title=Republican Burt Jones wins Georgia lieutenant governor race |language=English |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/republican-burt-jones-leads-in-georgia-lieutenant-governor-race/AGI65UIRKBCCDK7S2COAZZ646U/ |access-date=2022-12-20 |issn=1539-7459}}</ref>
Duncan attended [[Georgia Institute of Technology]], and played [[college baseball]] for the [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball|Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets]]. He played in [[Minor League Baseball]] for the [[Florida Marlins]] organization from 1996 through 2000, reaching [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]], before going into business.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://times-herald.com/news/2018/04/former-pro-pitcher-taking-aim-at-lt-governors-seat |title=Former pro pitcher taking aim at Lt. Governor’s seat |publisher=Times-herald.com |date=April 15, 2018 |accessdate=July 1, 2018}}</ref> He was elected to the Georgia House in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://politics.myajc.com/blog/politics/former-pro-baseball-player-turned-georgia-legislator-makes-pitch-for-higher-office/8eGV4vwf1m7Fc2WHfOrDeN/|title=Former pro baseball player turned Georgia legislator makes pitch for higher office|work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution|accessdate=July 1, 2018}}</ref> He resigned in September 2017 in order to focus on running for Lieutenant Governor in 2018.<ref>http://politics.blog.myajc.com/2017/08/28/duncan-resigns-to-focus-on-lg-bid-and-slams-shafer-charade/</ref><ref>https://www.forsythnews.com/local/state-government/businessman-announces-candidacy-replace-district-26-state-rep-geoff-duncan/</ref>


In the wake of the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 presidential election]], Duncan was among the few Republican Party officials who openly and outspokenly criticized [[Donald Trump]] for falsely claiming the election was stolen. After leaving office, Duncan became a political commentator for [[CNN]].


== Early career ==
==Primary Campaign for Lt. Governor==
Geoff Duncan announced he would run for Lt. Governor on April 10, 2017. <ref> https://www.georgiapol.com/2017/04/10/state-rep-geoff-duncan-running-lieutenant-governor/</ref> Duncan faced an uphill battle against two Republican challengers that had served in the State Senate, with Senator David Shafer considered to be the overwhelming favorite for the nomination.


=== Baseball ===
Duncan's campaign was centered around his "Policy Over Politics" message and focused on ethics reform and fiscal conservatism. Geoff Duncan was a vocal critic of large tax increases passed by the state legislature, including what is known as the Gas Tax, considered to be the larges tax increase in Georgia. This became a central issue during the campaign, as Senator David Shafer led the conference committee that wrote the Gas Tax (HB 170) and fought for its passage in the Senate.
Duncan attended [[Chattahoochee High School]] in [[Johns Creek, Georgia]], and the [[Georgia Institute of Technology]], where he played [[college baseball]] for the [[Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball|Yellow Jackets]] as a pitcher. He played in the [[1994 College World Series]] with Georgia Tech, losing in the final round.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gtalumni.org/s/1481/alumni/17/magazine-pages.aspx?sid=1481&gid=21&pgid=17022&cid=37828&ecid=37828&crid=0&calpgid=16996&calcid=37827 |title=From Baseball's Star to the State's Second in Command: Geoff Duncan, Cls 97, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia |date=Summer 2019 |volume=95 |issue=2 |first=Laura |last=Means |website=www.gtalumni.org}}</ref> In 1995, he played [[collegiate summer baseball]] with the [[Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox]] of the [[Cape Cod Baseball League]].<ref>{{cite news | last =Maclone | first =Justin | title = Cards Holding Steady in Second | pages = 12 | newspaper = The Cape Codder | location = Orleans, MA | date = August 1, 1995 | url = https://snow-library.com/viewer/3058?medianame=1995_thecapecodder_vol50_issue61_orleans_000012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cdthoms.shinyapps.io/CCBL/ |title=Player Stats |publisher=Cape Cod Baseball League |date= |accessdate=July 13, 2023}}</ref>


The [[Florida Marlins]] selected Duncan in the 69th round, with the 1,647th overall selection, of the [[1996 Major League Baseball draft]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=duncan001geo | title=Geoff Duncan Minor Leagues Statistics }}</ref> Duncan played in [[Minor League Baseball]] for the Marlins organization from 1996 through 2000. He reached as high as [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]], where he was being used as a relief pitcher, when a shoulder injury ended his career.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://patch.com/georgia/alpharetta/former-pro-baseball-player-businessman-geoff-duncan-qualifies |title=Former Pro Baseball Player and Businessman Geoff Duncan Qualifies &#124; Alpharetta, GA Patch |publisher=Patch.com |date=2018-03-08 |access-date=2020-12-07}}</ref> Duncan then retired from baseball and went into business.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://times-herald.com/news/2018/04/former-pro-pitcher-taking-aim-at-lt-governors-seat |title=Former pro pitcher taking aim at Lt. Governor's seat |first=Melanie |last=Ruberti |website=Newnan Times-Herald |date=April 15, 2018 |access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref>
On May 22, 2018, David Shafer received 48.9% of the vote in the Republican Primary with Geoff Duncan coming in second place with just 26.6%. Since no candidate received a majority of votes, the election then went to a runoff to be held on July 24th, 2018. <ref>http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/74658/Web02-state.203322/#/</ref>


=== Business ===
A poll conducted shortly after the May 22 election, Shafer showed Shafer with over 46% of support with Duncan at just 19%. John Garst, a pollster with Rosetta Stone Communications state "Given the large margin of Shafer's win on May 22 and the wide margin we see in this survey, the lead appears insurmountable. Duncan will need a miracle to prevail." <ref>https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/cagle-shafer-leading-in-gop-runoff-in-new-poll/85-562718598</ref>
After retiring from baseball, Duncan became [[chief executive officer]] for Wellview Health, a healthcare and wellness company.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Wellview Health adds CEO, executive VP |url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/business/people/article/20630188/wellview-health-adds-ceo-executive-vp |work=Nashville Post |date=April 28, 2016 |access-date=October 31, 2018 }}</ref> In post-public office life, Duncan serves as a frequent commenter on [[CNN]], and is a public speaker with The Harry Walker Agency.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.harrywalker.com/speakers/geoff-duncan | title=Schedule Geoff Duncan to Speak &#124; HWA Speakers }}</ref>


== Georgia House of Representatives ==
The runoff election focused largely on Shafer's record at the capitol and a number of ethical questions surrounding his candidacy. Primarily, Shafer's refusal to release his tax returns, a lawsuit alleging he received nearly $100,000 in free stock from a Georgia company, and a sexual harassment investigation accusing Shafer of "years long" harassment at the capitol. <ref>https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-legislator-accused-sexual-harassment-lobbyist/6jIBY1kHYwr4kC5Gb5uo8J/</ref>
Duncan successfully ran to represent the newly-created 26th district of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]] in the 2012 election.<ref>{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Bluestein |date=November 18, 2016 |url=https://politics.myajc.com/blog/politics/former-pro-baseball-player-turned-georgia-legislator-makes-pitch-for-higher-office/8eGV4vwf1m7Fc2WHfOrDeN/ |title=Former pro baseball player turned Georgia legislator makes pitch for higher office |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=July 1, 2018}}</ref> In the Republican primary, he narrowly defeated former legislator Tom Knox, who held the seat before running for State Insurance Commissioner in 2010.
[[File:Geoff Duncan.jpg|thumb|Duncan pictured as a candidate for the [[Georgia House of Representatives]] in 2012]]
Following a recount, Duncan was found to have won 4,507 votes to 4,452 received by Knox.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-09 |title=It's Official: Murphy, Duncan Declared Winners |url=https://patch.com/georgia/cumming/it-s-official-murphy-duncan-declared-winners |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Cumming, GA Patch |language=en}}</ref> Duncan's campaign emphasized creating private sector jobs, reducing government spending, and supporting conservation efforts at [[Lake Lanier]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reports |first=Staff |date=2012-02-09 |title=Geoff Duncan announces bid for Forsyth County's newly created 26th District |url=https://www.appenmedia.com/news/geoff-duncan-announces-bid-for-forsyth-countys-newly-created-26th-district/article_a1900857-0505-5189-ba7a-88c81fe7548e.html |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Appen Media |language=en}}</ref>


In [[2014 Georgia state elections|2014]], Duncan ran for reelection, defeating Knox in a rematch with 61% of the vote. He faced no opposition from Democrats in the general election.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-09 |title=Geoff Duncan announces bid for Forsyth County's newly created 26th District |url=https://www.appenmedia.com/news/geoff-duncan-announces-bid-for-forsyth-countys-newly-created-26th-district/article_a1900857-0505-5189-ba7a-88c81fe7548e.html |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Appen Media |language=en}}</ref> Duncan was once again reelected in the [[2016 Georgia state elections|2016]] election. As a state legislator, he helped lead efforts to pass Michael’s Law, a bill that forbids individuals under the age of 21 from working as bar bouncers.<ref name=":0" />
Polling released 11 days before the runoff election showed the race had tightened, with Shafer holding just a 4 point lead. <ref>https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/ajc-wsb-poll-shafer-holds-slight-lead-over-duncan-for-lieutenant-governor/UqSWKiKE5aA90aHLF7zbdO/</ref> This was in large part to outside groups becoming involved in the race that spent money on behalf of both candidates. Political experts attributed Shafer's sharp decline to very weak support from the primary moving to Duncan as the scandals surrounding Shafer became known.


== Lieutenant Governor of Georgia ==
Ultimately, on July 24th, Geoff Duncan defeated David Shafer with 50.16% of the vote, the most narrow margin of victory in Georgia Primary history for a statewide election. The win was widely considered to be one of the biggest upsets in Georgia political history, with Shafer being considered the overwhelming favorite. In the end, Duncan raised less than $1 million while Shafer and PACs supporting him raised over $3.5 million.


=== 2018 election ===
==General Election Campaign for Lt. Governor==
Duncan announced he would run for lieutenant governor of Georgia on April 10, 2017.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |first=Robert |last=Oldham |url=https://www.georgiapol.com/2017/04/10/state-rep-geoff-duncan-running-lieutenant-governor/ |title=State Rep. Geoff Duncan is Running for Lieutenant Governor |date=April 10, 2017 |website=GeorgiaPol |access-date=July 31, 2018}}</ref> He resigned from the Georgia House in September 2017 to focus on running for lieutenant governor in 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title=Duncan resigns to focus on LG bid—and slams Shafer 'charade' |first=Greg |last=Bluestein |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/duncan-resigns-focus-bid-and-slams-shafer-charade/O9LC2sTzihkwxEPNKDjhXM/ |access-date=January 14, 2019 |date=August 28, 2017 |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Isabel |last=Hughes |url=https://www.forsythnews.com/local/state-government/businessman-announces-candidacy-replace-district-26-state-rep-geoff-duncan/ |title=Businessman announces candidacy to replace District 26 state Rep. Geoff Duncan |website=Forsyth County News |date=May 3, 2017 |access-date=July 31, 2018}}</ref> He was described as an "underdog" candidate against [[David Shafer (politician)|David Shafer]], who had served as president pro tempore of the [[Georgia State Senate]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Prabhu |first=Maya |title=Duncan faces uphill battle against Shafer in lieutenant governor race |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/duncan-faces-uphill-battle-against-shafer-lieutenant-governor-race/MYZw3Nw2A0T5lCqGWSyxfL/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}}</ref>
Geoff Duncan will face off against Democrat Sarah Riggs Amico in the November 6th general election. The winner will succeed outgoing Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, who lost his bid for Governor to Secretary of State Brian Kemp.


On May 22, 2018, Shafer received 48.9% of the vote in the Republican primary with Duncan coming in second place with 26.6%. Because no candidate received a majority of votes, the election then went to a runoff held on July 24.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/74658/Web02-state.203322/#/ |title=Election Night Reporting |publisher=Results.enr.clarityelections.com |access-date=July 31, 2018}}</ref> Duncan acknowledged that he faced an uphill battle against Shafer in the runoff election.<ref name=":1" /> The runoff election focused largely on Shafer's record at the capitol and a number of ethical questions surrounding his candidacy.<ref>{{cite web |last=Salzer |first=James |date=March 9, 2018 |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/georgia-legislator-accused-sexual-harassment-lobbyist/6jIBY1kHYwr4kC5Gb5uo8J/ |title=Georgia legislator accused of sexual harassment by lobbyist |website=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=July 31, 2018}}</ref>
==Personal Life==
Duncan is married to his high school sweetheart, Brooke Duncan. They have three boys and reside in Forsyth County Georgia. The Duncan's are active members of Browns Bridge Community Church in Cumming, GA.


On July 24, Duncan, previously considered a longshot candidate defeated Shafer with 50.16% of the vote.<ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Darnell |date=August 2, 2018 |url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/no-recount-in-gop-lieutenant-governors-runoff-duncan-declares-victory/85-579799227 |website=WXIA-TV |title=No recount in GOP lieutenant governor's runoff; Duncan declares victory|access-date=January 14, 2019}}</ref> His victory was described as an upset by ''[[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hallerman |first1=Tamar |last2=Bluestein |first2=Greg |title=The latest: Duncan upsets Shafer in Lt. Gov. squeaker |url=https://www.ajc.com/blog/politics/live-updates-georgia-voters-hit-polls-determine-party-nominees/fZ8IqWUke1nHGbQTVzTZiK/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Politics (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) |language=English}}</ref> He defeated Democratic nominee Sarah Riggs Amico in the [[2018 Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election|general election]], receiving nearly 52% of the vote and avoiding another runoff.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.forsythnews.com/local/state-government/duncan-wins-lt-gov-race/ |title=Geoff Duncan set to become first-ever Georgia lieutenant governor from Forsyth County |website=www.forsythnews.com}}</ref>
==Baseball Career==
After playing baseball for Georgia Tech, Geoff was drafted by the Florida Marlins organization and went on to play professional baseball for six years until a shoulder injury forced him to retire.


==Business Ventures==
=== Tenure ===
Duncan was inaugurated lieutenant governor on January 14, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.wtvm.com/2019/01/14/watch-live-brian-kemp-sworn-rd-governor-georgia/ |title=Brian Kemp sworn in as 83rd Governor of Georgia |website=www.wtvm.com|date=January 15, 2019 }}</ref> As lieutenant governor, Duncan highlighted efforts by the Kemp administration on healthcare policy, and stated his wish for Georgia to become the "technology capital of the East Coast".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mittelhammer |first=Megan |date=2019-09-10 |title=Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan addresses upcoming state legislation at Clarke County Republican Party meeting |url=https://www.redandblack.com/athensnews/lt-gov-geoff-duncan-addresses-upcoming-state-legislation-at-clarke-county-republican-party-meeting/article_2a27cc4e-d389-11e9-a8ea-0b79f74e1764.html |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=The Red & Black |language=en}}</ref>
After retiring from baseball, Geoff and his wife, Brooke, started a small marketing company out of their living room. They ultimately grew the company to a full-scale operation in a 10,000 facility and employed over 100 people. The company was eventually sold and Duncan later joined the Board of Directors for Wellview Health, a healthcare and wellness company.


On December 6, 2020, Duncan and [[Governor of Georgia|Governor]] [[Brian Kemp]] put out a joint statement explaining that calling a joint session of the [[Georgia General Assembly]] to appoint their own electors to send to the [[United States Electoral College]] would be unconstitutional.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Duncan say no to special session over election, explain why |url=https://www.11alive.com/article/news/politics/elections/kemp-duncan-statement-special-session-calls/85-ebb26992-e681-4ccf-92bf-556c85b4f5d7 |access-date=2021-01-13 |website=11Alive.com |date=December 7, 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref> Following [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|unsuccessful efforts to overturn the election of Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election]], in March 2021 Georgia Republicans enacted the controversial [[Election Integrity Act of 2021]] that imposed new restrictions on voting.
[[File:David Perdue and Geoff Duncan.jpg|thumb|Duncan (right) with U.S. Senator [[David Perdue]] in 2019.]]
Days later, Duncan said during a CNN interview that momentum for the legislation grew from "the fallout from the ten weeks of [[misinformation]] that flew in from former President [[Donald Trump]]. I went back over the weekend to really look at where this really started to gain momentum in the legislature, and it was when [[Rudy Giuliani]] showed up in a couple of committee rooms and spent hours spreading misinformation and sowing doubt across, you know, hours of testimony."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/07/politics/geoff-duncan-voter-fraud-cnntv/index.html |title=Georgia's GOP lieutenant governor says Giuliani's false fraud claims helped lead to restrictive voting law |last1=Murray |first1=Sara |last2=Morris |first2=Jason |website=CNN |date=April 7, 2021 }}</ref>


In April 2021, Duncan's chief of staff stated that he was unlikely to run for a second term, after he openly contradicted false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. His chief of staff added that Duncan had yet to make a final decision about whether to [[2022 Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election|run again in 2022]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-08 |title=Georgia Lt. Gov. unlikely to run again after taking on Trump |url=https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-georgia-elections-b63917f3fc23580e0e06e0bb9a76e237 |access-date=2021-04-10 |website=AP NEWS}}</ref> On May 17, 2021, Duncan announced that he would not be seeking a second term.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bluestein |first=Greg |date=May 17, 2021 |title=Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Trump critic, will not run for a second term in 2022 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/lt-gov-geoff-duncan-a-trump-critic-will-not-run-for-a-second-term-in-2022/C7ANUFARURAEJH5ACDE3L2AD5Y/ |access-date=May 17, 2021}}</ref> An October 2021 trip to [[New Hampshire]] to promote his book ''GOP 2.0'', which outlines plans for a post-Trump future for the Republican Party, fueled speculation in his home state that Duncan may be positioning himself to run for president in [[2024 United States presidential election|2024]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/politics-blog/the-jolt-geoff-duncan-for-president/E3TXXC7F3ZAV3KHIUH2DRFH6JI/ |title=The Jolt: Geoff Duncan for president? |date=October 20, 2021 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |first1=Patricia |last1=Murphy |first2=Tia |last2=Mitchell |first3=Greg |last3=Bluestein}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gops-short-term-sugar-high-in-donald-trump-wont-last-georgias-republican-lt-gov-predicts |title=GOP's 'short term sugar high in Donald Trump' won't last, Georgia's Republican lt. gov. predicts |date=October 21, 2021 |work=Fox News |first=Paul |last=Steinhauser}}</ref> Duncan said he did not vote for either [[Raphael Warnock]] or [[Herschel Walker]] in the [[2022 United States Senate election in Georgia|2022 U.S. Senate election]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schonfeld |first=Zach |date=2022-12-01 |title=Republican Georgia lieutenant governor says he couldn't vote for Walker |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3757720-republican-georgia-lieutenant-governor-says-he-couldnt-vote-for-walker/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Post-Lieutenant Governor career ==
In May 2024, during the lead-up to the [[2024 United States presidential election|2024 presidential election]], Duncan wrote an opinion piece titled "Why I'm Voting for Biden and other Republicans should, too", which appeared in the May 6, 2024 edition of the ''[[Atlanta Journal-Constitution]]''. He is now a full-time paid political commentator on CNN.


In the article, Duncan expressed his support in the [[2024 U.S. presidential election]] for Democratic incumbent President [[Joe Biden]], while strongly criticizing the GOP presumptive nominee, former Republican President [[Donald Trump]]. Duncan described Biden as a "decent person I disagree with on policy", which he contrasted with Trump, whom he characterized as "a criminal defendant without a moral compass".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/opinion/geoff-duncan-why-im-voting-for-biden-and-other-republicans-should-too/LFLE5YWCBBA6VDGJAJKMNPCDKQ/ |title=Geoff Duncan: Why I'm voting for Biden and other Republicans should, too |date=May 6, 2024 |first=Geoff |last=Duncan |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=May 6, 2024}}</ref> After Biden stepped aside, Duncan endorsed [[Kamala Harris]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Groves |first=Caleb |title=Geoff Duncan endorses Kamala Harris and says he is 'committed to beating Donald Trump' |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/geoff-duncan-endorses-kamala-harris-and-says-he-is-committed-to-beating-donald-trump/M3MBQT5VWRCJVL37ZOZACFEPP4/ |access-date=2024-07-24 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}}</ref> Duncan has urged Republicans to support Harris' presidential campaign,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Suter |first=Tara |date=2024-08-14 |title=Georgia Republican urges more GOP support for Harris: 'Reclaim this country's future' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4827992-geoff-duncan-backs-kamala-harris/ |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=The Hill}}</ref> giving a speech directed to them at the [[2024 Democratic National Convention|Democratic National Convention]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manchester |first=Julia |date=2024-08-21 |title=Georgia Republican: Voting for Harris means 'you're a patriot' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4840725-geoff-duncan-republican-kamala-harris/ |access-date=2024-08-21 |website=The Hill}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
Duncan and his wife, Brooke, live in [[Cumming, Georgia]]. They have three sons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/outsider-more-geoff-duncan-set-georgia-lieutenant-governor/qRYQZHqd07V6mBSsOCMYKJ/ |title='Outsider' no more, Geoff Duncan set to be Georgia's lieutenant governor |date=January 14, 2019 |first=Maya T. |last=Prabhu |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>


== Electoral history ==
{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial Republican primary, 2018<ref>{{cite web |url=http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/74658/Web02-state.200881/#/cid/20010 |title=General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election |work=Georgia Secretary of State |access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=[[David Shafer (politician)|David Shafer]]|votes=268,221|percentage=48.91}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Geoff Duncan|votes=146,163|percentage=26.65}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Rick Jeffares|votes=134,047|percentage=24.44}}
{{Election box end}}


{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial Republican primary runoff, 2018<ref>{{cite web |url=http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/76127/Web02-state.206999/#/cid/20010 |title=General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election Runoff |work=Georgia Secretary of State |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Geoff Duncan|votes=280,465|percentage=50.14}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=David Shafer|votes=278,868|percentage=49.86}}
{{Election box end}}


{{Election box begin no change|title=Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |authorlink= |author1= |title=November 6, 2018 General Election |work= GA – Election Night Reporting |publisher=Georgia Secretary of State |date=November 10, 2018 |url= https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/GA/91639/Web02-state.220747/ |doi= |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref>}}
==References==
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=Geoff Duncan|votes=1,951,738|percentage=51.63}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|party=Democratic Party (United States)|candidate=Sarah Riggs Amico|votes=1,828,566|percentage=48.37}}
{{Election box end}}

== Bibliography ==
* ''GOP 2.0'' (2021)

== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{CongLinks|votesmart=140301}}
* {{CongLinks|votesmart=140301}}
{{baseballstats|brm=duncan001geo}}
* {{baseballstats|brm=duncan001geo}}
* {{C-SPAN|117024}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-par|us-ga-hs}}
{{s-bef|before=Carl Rogers}}
{{s-ttl|title=Member of the [[Georgia House of Representatives]]<br />from the 26th district|years=2013–2017}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Marc Morris (politician)|Marc Morris]]}}
|-
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Casey Cagle]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[Lieutenant Governor of Georgia]]|years=[[2018 Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election|2018]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Burt Jones]]}}
|-
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Casey Cagle]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Lieutenant Governor of Georgia]]|years=2019–2023}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Burt Jones]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{Lieutenant governors of Georgia}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Duncan, Geoff}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Duncan, Geoff}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:1975 births]]
[[Category:Members of the Georgia House of Representatives]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Georgia (U.S. state) Republicans]]
[[Category:21st-century American politicians]]
[[Category:Minor league baseball players]]
[[Category:American expatriate baseball players in Canada]]
[[Category:Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Utica Blue Sox players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Kane County Cougars players]]
[[Category:Portland Sea Dogs players]]
[[Category:Brevard County Manatees players]]
[[Category:Brevard County Manatees players]]
[[Category:Calgary Cannons players]]
[[Category:Calgary Cannons players]]
[[Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball players]]
[[Category:Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball players]]
[[Category:Kane County Cougars players]]
{{GeorgiaUS-politician-stub}}
[[Category:Lieutenant governors of Georgia (U.S. state)]]
[[Category:Republican Party members of the Georgia House of Representatives]]
[[Category:People from Cumming, Georgia]]
[[Category:People from New Kensington, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Portland Sea Dogs players]]
[[Category:Utica Blue Sox players]]
[[Category:Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox players]]
[[Category:People from Johns Creek, Georgia]]
[[Category:American athlete-politicians]]

Latest revision as of 14:44, 17 October 2024

Not to be confused with Jeff Duncan, United States Representative from South Carolina.

Geoff Duncan
Portrait of Geoff Duncan in blue dress shirt with sleeves rolled up and red necktie, arms folded, in front of a U.S. flag.
12th Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
In office
January 14, 2019 – January 9, 2023
GovernorBrian Kemp
Preceded byCasey Cagle
Succeeded byBurt Jones
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
from the 26th district
In office
January 14, 2013 – August 28, 2017
Preceded byCarl Rogers
Succeeded byMarc Morris
Personal details
Born (1975-04-01) April 1, 1975 (age 49)
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseBrooke Duncan
Children3
EducationGeorgia Institute of Technology

Geoffrey L. Duncan (born April 1, 1975) is an American politician, businessman, and public speaker who served as the 12th lieutenant Governor of Georgia from 2019 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Duncan is a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

After playing college baseball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Duncan played professional baseball for six years, until a shoulder injury ended his baseball career. He went into business and was elected to the Georgia House in 2012. Duncan was elected lieutenant governor in 2018, but he did not seek re-election in 2022, with fellow Republican Burt Jones being elected to replace him.[1]

In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, Duncan was among the few Republican Party officials who openly and outspokenly criticized Donald Trump for falsely claiming the election was stolen. After leaving office, Duncan became a political commentator for CNN.

Early career

[edit]

Baseball

[edit]

Duncan attended Chattahoochee High School in Johns Creek, Georgia, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he played college baseball for the Yellow Jackets as a pitcher. He played in the 1994 College World Series with Georgia Tech, losing in the final round.[2] In 1995, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Yarmouth–Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[3][4]

The Florida Marlins selected Duncan in the 69th round, with the 1,647th overall selection, of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft.[5] Duncan played in Minor League Baseball for the Marlins organization from 1996 through 2000. He reached as high as Triple-A, where he was being used as a relief pitcher, when a shoulder injury ended his career.[6] Duncan then retired from baseball and went into business.[7]

Business

[edit]

After retiring from baseball, Duncan became chief executive officer for Wellview Health, a healthcare and wellness company.[8] In post-public office life, Duncan serves as a frequent commenter on CNN, and is a public speaker with The Harry Walker Agency.[9]

Georgia House of Representatives

[edit]

Duncan successfully ran to represent the newly-created 26th district of the Georgia House of Representatives in the 2012 election.[10] In the Republican primary, he narrowly defeated former legislator Tom Knox, who held the seat before running for State Insurance Commissioner in 2010.

Duncan pictured as a candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012

Following a recount, Duncan was found to have won 4,507 votes to 4,452 received by Knox.[11] Duncan's campaign emphasized creating private sector jobs, reducing government spending, and supporting conservation efforts at Lake Lanier.[12]

In 2014, Duncan ran for reelection, defeating Knox in a rematch with 61% of the vote. He faced no opposition from Democrats in the general election.[13] Duncan was once again reelected in the 2016 election. As a state legislator, he helped lead efforts to pass Michael’s Law, a bill that forbids individuals under the age of 21 from working as bar bouncers.[14]

Lieutenant Governor of Georgia

[edit]

2018 election

[edit]

Duncan announced he would run for lieutenant governor of Georgia on April 10, 2017.[14] He resigned from the Georgia House in September 2017 to focus on running for lieutenant governor in 2018.[15][16] He was described as an "underdog" candidate against David Shafer, who had served as president pro tempore of the Georgia State Senate.[17]

On May 22, 2018, Shafer received 48.9% of the vote in the Republican primary with Duncan coming in second place with 26.6%. Because no candidate received a majority of votes, the election then went to a runoff held on July 24.[18] Duncan acknowledged that he faced an uphill battle against Shafer in the runoff election.[17] The runoff election focused largely on Shafer's record at the capitol and a number of ethical questions surrounding his candidacy.[19]

On July 24, Duncan, previously considered a longshot candidate defeated Shafer with 50.16% of the vote.[20] His victory was described as an upset by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.[21] He defeated Democratic nominee Sarah Riggs Amico in the general election, receiving nearly 52% of the vote and avoiding another runoff.[22]

Tenure

[edit]

Duncan was inaugurated lieutenant governor on January 14, 2019.[23] As lieutenant governor, Duncan highlighted efforts by the Kemp administration on healthcare policy, and stated his wish for Georgia to become the "technology capital of the East Coast".[24]

On December 6, 2020, Duncan and Governor Brian Kemp put out a joint statement explaining that calling a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly to appoint their own electors to send to the United States Electoral College would be unconstitutional.[25] Following unsuccessful efforts to overturn the election of Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, in March 2021 Georgia Republicans enacted the controversial Election Integrity Act of 2021 that imposed new restrictions on voting.

Duncan (right) with U.S. Senator David Perdue in 2019.

Days later, Duncan said during a CNN interview that momentum for the legislation grew from "the fallout from the ten weeks of misinformation that flew in from former President Donald Trump. I went back over the weekend to really look at where this really started to gain momentum in the legislature, and it was when Rudy Giuliani showed up in a couple of committee rooms and spent hours spreading misinformation and sowing doubt across, you know, hours of testimony."[26]

In April 2021, Duncan's chief of staff stated that he was unlikely to run for a second term, after he openly contradicted false claims of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election. His chief of staff added that Duncan had yet to make a final decision about whether to run again in 2022.[27] On May 17, 2021, Duncan announced that he would not be seeking a second term.[28] An October 2021 trip to New Hampshire to promote his book GOP 2.0, which outlines plans for a post-Trump future for the Republican Party, fueled speculation in his home state that Duncan may be positioning himself to run for president in 2024.[29][30] Duncan said he did not vote for either Raphael Warnock or Herschel Walker in the 2022 U.S. Senate election.[31]

Post-Lieutenant Governor career

[edit]

In May 2024, during the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, Duncan wrote an opinion piece titled "Why I'm Voting for Biden and other Republicans should, too", which appeared in the May 6, 2024 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is now a full-time paid political commentator on CNN.

In the article, Duncan expressed his support in the 2024 U.S. presidential election for Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden, while strongly criticizing the GOP presumptive nominee, former Republican President Donald Trump. Duncan described Biden as a "decent person I disagree with on policy", which he contrasted with Trump, whom he characterized as "a criminal defendant without a moral compass".[32] After Biden stepped aside, Duncan endorsed Kamala Harris.[33] Duncan has urged Republicans to support Harris' presidential campaign,[34] giving a speech directed to them at the Democratic National Convention.[35]

Personal life

[edit]

Duncan and his wife, Brooke, live in Cumming, Georgia. They have three sons.[36]

Electoral history

[edit]
Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial Republican primary, 2018[37]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican David Shafer 268,221 48.91
Republican Geoff Duncan 146,163 26.65
Republican Rick Jeffares 134,047 24.44
Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial Republican primary runoff, 2018[38]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Geoff Duncan 280,465 50.14
Republican David Shafer 278,868 49.86
Georgia lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018[39]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Geoff Duncan 1,951,738 51.63
Democratic Sarah Riggs Amico 1,828,566 48.37

Bibliography

[edit]
  • GOP 2.0 (2021)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Prabhu, Maya T. "Republican Burt Jones wins Georgia lieutenant governor race". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved December 20, 2022.
  2. ^ Means, Laura (Summer 2019). "From Baseball's Star to the State's Second in Command: Geoff Duncan, Cls 97, Lieutenant Governor of Georgia". www.gtalumni.org.
  3. ^ Maclone, Justin (August 1, 1995). "Cards Holding Steady in Second". The Cape Codder. Orleans, MA. p. 12.
  4. ^ "Player Stats". Cape Cod Baseball League. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  5. ^ "Geoff Duncan Minor Leagues Statistics".
  6. ^ "Former Pro Baseball Player and Businessman Geoff Duncan Qualifies | Alpharetta, GA Patch". Patch.com. March 8, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  7. ^ Ruberti, Melanie (April 15, 2018). "Former pro pitcher taking aim at Lt. Governor's seat". Newnan Times-Herald. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  8. ^ "Wellview Health adds CEO, executive VP". Nashville Post. April 28, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
  9. ^ "Schedule Geoff Duncan to Speak | HWA Speakers".
  10. ^ Bluestein, Greg (November 18, 2016). "Former pro baseball player turned Georgia legislator makes pitch for higher office". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  11. ^ "It's Official: Murphy, Duncan Declared Winners". Cumming, GA Patch. August 9, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  12. ^ Reports, Staff (February 9, 2012). "Geoff Duncan announces bid for Forsyth County's newly created 26th District". Appen Media. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  13. ^ "Geoff Duncan announces bid for Forsyth County's newly created 26th District". Appen Media. February 9, 2012. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  14. ^ a b Oldham, Robert (April 10, 2017). "State Rep. Geoff Duncan is Running for Lieutenant Governor". GeorgiaPol. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  15. ^ Bluestein, Greg (August 28, 2017). "Duncan resigns to focus on LG bid—and slams Shafer 'charade'". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  16. ^ Hughes, Isabel (May 3, 2017). "Businessman announces candidacy to replace District 26 state Rep. Geoff Duncan". Forsyth County News. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  17. ^ a b Prabhu, Maya. "Duncan faces uphill battle against Shafer in lieutenant governor race". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  18. ^ "Election Night Reporting". Results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  19. ^ Salzer, James (March 9, 2018). "Georgia legislator accused of sexual harassment by lobbyist". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 31, 2018.
  20. ^ Darnell, Tim (August 2, 2018). "No recount in GOP lieutenant governor's runoff; Duncan declares victory". WXIA-TV. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  21. ^ Hallerman, Tamar; Bluestein, Greg. "The latest: Duncan upsets Shafer in Lt. Gov. squeaker". Politics (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  22. ^ "Geoff Duncan set to become first-ever Georgia lieutenant governor from Forsyth County". www.forsythnews.com.
  23. ^ "Brian Kemp sworn in as 83rd Governor of Georgia". www.wtvm.com. January 15, 2019.
  24. ^ Mittelhammer, Megan (September 10, 2019). "Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan addresses upcoming state legislation at Clarke County Republican Party meeting". The Red & Black. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  25. ^ "Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Duncan say no to special session over election, explain why". 11Alive.com. December 7, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  26. ^ Murray, Sara; Morris, Jason (April 7, 2021). "Georgia's GOP lieutenant governor says Giuliani's false fraud claims helped lead to restrictive voting law". CNN.
  27. ^ "Georgia Lt. Gov. unlikely to run again after taking on Trump". AP NEWS. April 8, 2021. Retrieved April 10, 2021.
  28. ^ Bluestein, Greg (May 17, 2021). "Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Trump critic, will not run for a second term in 2022". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  29. ^ Murphy, Patricia; Mitchell, Tia; Bluestein, Greg (October 20, 2021). "The Jolt: Geoff Duncan for president?". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  30. ^ Steinhauser, Paul (October 21, 2021). "GOP's 'short term sugar high in Donald Trump' won't last, Georgia's Republican lt. gov. predicts". Fox News.
  31. ^ Schonfeld, Zach (December 1, 2022). "Republican Georgia lieutenant governor says he couldn't vote for Walker". The Hill. Retrieved December 1, 2022.
  32. ^ Duncan, Geoff (May 6, 2024). "Geoff Duncan: Why I'm voting for Biden and other Republicans should, too". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  33. ^ Groves, Caleb. "Geoff Duncan endorses Kamala Harris and says he is 'committed to beating Donald Trump'". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  34. ^ Suter, Tara (August 14, 2024). "Georgia Republican urges more GOP support for Harris: 'Reclaim this country's future'". The Hill. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  35. ^ Manchester, Julia (August 21, 2024). "Georgia Republican: Voting for Harris means 'you're a patriot'". The Hill. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
  36. ^ Prabhu, Maya T. (January 14, 2019). "'Outsider' no more, Geoff Duncan set to be Georgia's lieutenant governor". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  37. ^ "General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election". Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved November 4, 2018.
  38. ^ "General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election Runoff". Georgia Secretary of State. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  39. ^ "November 6, 2018 General Election". GA – Election Night Reporting. Georgia Secretary of State. November 10, 2018. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
[edit]
Georgia House of Representatives
Preceded by
Carl Rogers
 Member of the Georgia House of Representatives
from the 26th district
2013–2017 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
2018 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
2019–2023 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geoff_Duncan&oldid=1251691069"
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