Is Ex-Republican Geoff Duncan the Revival of the Blue Dog Democrat?
Political climate may be ripe for Georgia to resurrect the blue dog Democrat label.
Georgia Democrats are in a panic — and whispers are getting louder that they may turn to an unlikely savior: former GOP Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.
What’s Going On
Party insiders say if Stacey Abrams takes a pass on another run for governor, big-name Democrats are ready to quietly rally behind Duncan — who famously ditched the GOP after clashing with Donald Trump.
Why? Because the current Democratic bench is looking like a JV squad against a Republican field stacked with heavy hitters.
One strategist told the Post: “The truth is, nobody in the field has the juice to take on Burt Jones, Brad Raffensperger, or whoever else the GOP puts up. Duncan gives us a shot. Without him, it’s a bloodbath.”
Why Duncan
Crossover appeal: Duncan has credibility with independents and even some moderate Republicans disgusted by Trumpism.
Dem unity: He’s already tacked left on issues like Medicaid expansion and abortion rights, giving progressives just enough to hang their hat on.
Electability play: Dem operatives think Duncan could be the one figure who could thread the needle between suburban moderates and the party’s base.
The Gamble
Of course, Duncan isn’t exactly a natural fit. He spent most of his political career as a Republican and once backed positions Democrats despise. But to many Dem insiders, the risk is worth it.
As one party official put it: “Would you rather run a pure progressive who gets crushed, or roll the dice on Duncan and maybe actually win?”
The Backroom Buzz
Some veteran Dem donors are already testing the waters, quietly asking whether Duncan is willing to be the new face of the party.
Abrams’ silence has only fueled speculation. “If Stacey says no, the floodgates open for Duncan,” one insider said.
Not everyone’s sold. Progressive activists warn the party could splinter if it bets on a former Republican over longtime loyalists.
Bottom Line
With Abrams still on the sidelines and the Democratic bench looking weak, Geoff Duncan has suddenly become the hottest name in Georgia politics — not as a Republican rebel, but as a possible Democratic lifeline.
👉 If Abrams bows out, don’t be shocked if blue money and party bosses throw their weight behind Duncan. To Dem insiders, it’s simple: better to risk betrayal than face certain defeat.