Renita Duncan aims to be the change by running for Georgia House of Representatives: ‘I will fight for our county’

HOUSTON COUNTY — Renita Duncan, a lifelong public servant dedicated to uplifting her community, is running for the Georgia House of Representatives, District 147, to bring her commitment to service to the state level.

Duncan, “rooted in service,” is eager to help. Though not originally from the area, she and her family have made Houston County home and she hopes to contribute to its growth.

When she graduated from high school, Duncan went straight to the Army Reserves. A year later, she left while serving due to a personal event.

Ten years later, after surgery, Duncan watched the 9/11 attacks on “Good Morning America” and felt compelled to act. She returned to the military, noting it was becoming more diverse.

“We were caring about the culture of every member. [We looked] at our soldiers as individuals and not this conglomerate group of mass power houses. I don’t want Americans to be numbers or statistics because we are people,” she said.

Duncan retired from the Army Reserves to care for her father during his cancer diagnosis. She later moved to Warner Robins, left, and returned in 2022 to support her newly retired mother.

When she returned, she saw an opportunity to reapply for a federal job after her previous civil service work. However, she took a deferred resignation, feeling she could not continue government work after the November 2024 election.

“My values just don’t fit with the government at this point, which is why I’m running for office. I’m running because I really want to be the voice of the [people], boots on the ground, living in the trenches, living in the city. A real paycheck-to-paycheck people,” she said.

Duncan described herself as a regular person. She shared that she is also a domestic violence survivor and continues to advocate for victims, which is her passion. She said this was why she wanted to enter the civil service: she had always wanted to help.

When she and her parents moved to Warner Robins, her father told her he could heal here.

“I believe that statement and I believe that Houston County is great. I want to be a part of the evolution of where we’re going,” she said.

Duncan is putting down roots by starting businesses and nonprofits. She sees community needs overlooked or politicized and aims to change that during her campaign.

If elected, her main priorities include women’s rights, another issue she advocates for, citing concerns that women will lose their right to vote or face barriers to voting.

She mentioned the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act. If passed, the proposed legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote for federal elections.

Duncan is concerned about bodily autonomy due to current abortion laws. She stresses the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and showing women they can be leaders.

Veterans Support Services is another priority. As a veteran, she wants to address transportation gaps she experienced firsthand through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I would love for our state to provide or our county to be able to support that better in this rural area because it is so spread out. There is no public transportation so I really want to take a look at that,” she said.

Turning to the local job market, Duncan highlighted that Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick is leading positive change in the area. She also noted during her drives down Watson Boulevard that there are many opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

Duncan plans to engage the community through town halls and a hands-on approach.

“We cannot make change if we don’t hear what people want. I feel like many times decisions are made without checking on the community. I am an advocate for the community because that’s how we’re going to grow,” she said.

She is running her campaign independently and previously ran for Congress in California during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She ran as an independent because she felt her values did not align with either party at the time, but now they closely align with the Democratic Party, which she is excited about.

“I want to be clear that I do stand for the people. I want the people to understand that I am their representative,” she said.

To reach a broad audience, Duncan hopes to engage everyone in her campaign by knocking on doors and using technology, such as virtual meetings with youth and Facebook Live sessions.

“I can’t run if I don’t hear from the people,” she said.

Duncan is also aiming to help in the community by donating to local causes.

Duncan said she believes every individual deserves a representative who listens. By aiming to be a true voice for the community, she hopes constituents will trust her to bring their concerns and interests to the Georgia State Capitol.

Duncan described herself as a servant leader, meaning she has a hands-on approach to leadership. She said many people describe themselves as “mama bears,” but she considers herself more of a “black panther,” explaining that she knows when to be still and when to fight.

“I will fight for our county,” she said.

Duncan believes the area is often overshadowed by counties in Metro Atlanta because the city is well-known. However, Houston County is also important, she believes, and she said she will ensure the area is not forgotten by securing county initiatives through grants.

“I want to make sure that I’m in the fight for that and I won’t back down,” she said.

Duncan’s fighter spirit comes from going through things in her personal life. She believes this has equipped her to continue fighting to make Houston County a better place.

“All those things have made me the fighter that I am and I think have equipped me to fight for our community. I’m not saying we’re struggling right now, I’m saying it’s time to evolve and that’s what I bring to the table,” she said.

The Georgia House of Representatives continues to have steady leadership in the State Capitol. If elected, Duncan aims to listen and speak up because she is a leader, she said.

“I’m going to ask the questions, I’m going to do the research and I’m going to stand on what my community says that they need and what they want. I’ll stand 10 toes down on that,” she said.

Duncan said residents of District 147 should vote for her because she will be the change they want to see.

“If you want to see change, if you want to see true leadership and you want to see someone who is out there in the trenches with you, vote for me because I am for the community,” she said.

Duncan encourages anyone interested to contact her via email at voterenitaduncan@gmail.com.

Duncan will be running against Tim Riley and incumbent Bethany Ballard. To see if you are in District 147, click here.

The General Primary Election is May 19.