“I Certified That!”: Duncan Defends 2020 Results at High-Stakes South DeKalb Forum

A coalition of community giants hosts the 2026 gubernatorial hopefuls to talk democracy and affordability.

SOUTH DEKALB, GA — The air inside the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center was thick with anticipation on Monday as a powerful coalition of Georgia’s civic, religious, and professional leaders gathered for the 2026 Georgia Gubernatorial Forum.

With the May primary just weeks away, the event was a “who’s who” of community gatekeepers. Hosted by a massive assembly including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Ismaili Council, The Peoples’ Agenda, and Leadership DeKalb, the forum challenged candidates to move beyond soundbites and address the specific anxieties of South DeKalb voters: affordability, housing, and the very foundation of our democracy.

The Standout Moment

While much of the evening focused on the “triple threat” of rising costs in childcare, healthcare, and housing, the room went silent when the moderator posed a question that has haunted Georgia politics for six years: “Did Georgia get the 2020 election right?”

Candidates were asked to signal their response using a double-sided card—red for “no,” green for “yes.” While every Democrat on stage raised a green card, former Republican Lieutenant Governor turned Democratic candidate Geoff Duncan took it a step further. Duncan didn’t just raise his card; he stood up in front of the packed house, thrust the green side high, and declared with a sharp, steady voice:

“I certified that!”

The declaration was a visceral reminder of Duncan’s unique—and controversial—narrative. As the man who stood alongside Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to verify the 2020 results despite immense pressure from his former party, Duncan is betting his entire gubernatorial run on the idea that Georgia voters are ready for a “pragmatic” leader who chooses the rule of law over party loyalty.

A Stage Packed with Experience

Duncan was joined by a formidable lineup of challengers, each making their pitch to the South DeKalb community:

• Michael Thurmond (D): The former DeKalb CEO leaned heavily on his decades of local leadership, drawing massive applause when discussing his record on education and fiscal management.
• Jason Esteves (D): The State Senator focused on a “new generation” of leadership, pushing for aggressive “accountability” for those who previously supported policies that harmed the community.
• Olu Brown (D): The Impact Church founder brought a pastoral energy to the stage, emphasizing a “humanity-first” approach to policy.
• Derrick Jackson (D): The State Representative and veteran highlighted his 42 years of leadership experience and his specific legislative plans to raise the minimum wage to $20.
• Clark Dean (R) & Kenneth Yasger (R): Representing the GOP side of the ticket, Dean and Yasger attempted to find common ground with the audience on small business growth and tax relief, despite the uphill battle for Republican candidates in this deep-blue stronghold.

The Coalition Behind the Curtain

The sheer scale of the event’s sponsorship underscored the importance of the South DeKalb electorate. The forum was co-hosted by: JH Austin Consulting (AARP Lithonia), DeKalb Section NCNW, National Black MBA, MYM Investments, Top Ladies Of Distinction, NCBB 100, National Coalition of Black Women, GABCO, League of Women Voters, and Peach State Muslim Action.

For residents of Belvedere Park and the surrounding areas, the forum wasn’t just about the candidates—it was about a community demanding to be heard. Whether Duncan’s “Certification of Conviction” will be enough to win over lifelong Democrats remains the defining question of this primary season.