'Learn how to take a victory lap': Ex-GOP lieutenant gov hits back after party ousts him

A Republican former Georgia lieutenant governor who has been fiercely critical of President-elect Donald Trump — and who endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president — scoffed as his own state's GOP hurled him out of the party on Monday.

Geoff Duncan frequently appeared on news networks such as CNN during the 2024 election cycle to bash the MAGA leader, even declaring in Election Day, "If Donald Trump wins, there's no doubt he'll wreck the car and continue to soil the brand of being a Republican."

On Monday afternoon, the Georgia GOP hit back in force.

"Geoff Duncan having been formally expelled, we ask that you refer to him as 'expelled Republican Geoff Duncan' or 'ousted Republican Geoff Duncan' when you go to him for quotes trashing President Trump and the Republican Party," the party wrote on X.

In a news release, the state GOP said Duncan campaigned as a Trump-supporting conservative when he ran for office who "exaggerated" claims, such as graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology, playing in the MLB and being a successful businessman.

Duncan was a relief pitcher drafted by the then-Florida Marlins in the 69th round of the 1996 MLB draft from the technology institute. He pitched in five seasons, rising to AAA before a shoulder injury forced him to retire from the sport.

"Duncan’s single term as Lieutenant Governor was marred by embarrassment and scandal," the GOP railed, adding that he "undermined" Republican candidates such as Burt Jones, his GOP successor for lieutenant governor, and Herschel Walker, the GOP nominee for Senate. In doing so, he "violated his oath of allegiance to the Republican Party," the GOP alleged.

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The party continued, adding that "by his pattern of conduct, Duncan has forfeited any claim to being even a nominal 'Republican.'"

Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, and the State Executive Committee of the party, both demanded he stop calling himself a Republican and "using his false credential as a 'Republican' to undermine and sabotage the Republican Party and its candidates," the GOP said.

The party said Duncan has been expelled and banned from qualifying as a candidate of the Georgia Republican Party. Furthermore, his nomination for lieutenant governor was expunged, along with his nominations for state House of Representatives.

The pointed letter drew praise from firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who wrote on X: "Expelled, ousted, and disgraced Republican Geoff Duncan belongs to the Democrats now."

Duncan also weighed in on the announcement, questioning on X whether his ouster was the best use of party resources.

"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," he wrote.