Candidate for Georgia House District 100 discusses public safety, economic growth and support for local families

BUFORD — Edwin Duncan, a Navy veteran and local business owner, is running for Georgia House District 100, a district that continues to see rapid growth across Buford and surrounding areas.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

In this Q&A with The North Gwinnett Voice, Duncan shares how his experiences in service and business shape his approach to issues, including affordability, infrastructure and public safety.

Background and personal story

Q: You come from a military family and served in the U.S. Navy. How has that shaped your leadership?
A: My background in a military family and service in the Navy taught me discipline, accountability and putting the mission before self. It also trained me to manage high-pressure situations and make decisions that impact a team. My leadership style is results-driven, team-oriented and focused on serving others.

Q: What brought you to Buford, and why have you stayed?
A: My family relocated to Georgia while I was serving in the Navy, and I later moved here to be closer to them when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Buford quickly felt like home — it reminded me of the town I grew up in. With strong community ties and pro-business opportunities, it became the right place to build a life and raise a family.

Q: How has raising children and now having grandchildren here influenced your decision to run?
A: This community has been our home for more than 20 years. We raised our children here with a focus on service, and now we’re watching our grandchildren grow up here as well. That makes this deeply personal. I’m not just focused on today — I’m thinking about the future they will inherit.

Business and leadership experience

Q: How does your business background prepare you for the State House?
A: Building businesses teaches you how to solve real-world problems, manage budgets and make tough decisions. I understand how policies affect employers and workers because I’ve lived it. That experience will guide my approach in the legislature.

Q: What challenges do business owners face that lawmakers often overlook?
A: Overregulation and rising costs- taxes, insurance and compliance — can make it difficult for small businesses to grow and hire. Those pressures are often underestimated.

Q: What policies would you support for small businesses?
A: Cutting red tape, lowering taxes, expanding access to capital and investing in workforce development.

Community and local impact

Q: What has coaching youth volleyball taught you about leadership?
A: Leadership is about consistency, accountability and investing in people. Coaching has shown me how mentorship and teamwork shape not just athletes, but future leaders.

Q: How has that shaped your understanding of families in District 100?
A: It’s given me a firsthand look at the challenges families face — from rising costs to balancing busy schedules. Strong schools, safe communities and accessible programs are essential.

Key issues for district 100

Q: What are the top issues facing the district?
A: The cost of living, traffic and infrastructure, and public safety. Families are feeling financial pressure, growth is straining roads, and people want safe neighborhoods.

Q: How would you work to reduce the cost of living?
A: By cutting taxes, reducing unnecessary regulations and controlling government spending. I also support limiting large investment firms from buying up housing and investing in infrastructure to reduce commuting costs.

Q: What role should the state play in public safety?
A: The state should ensure law enforcement has the funding, training and resources they need while respecting local control. Public safety works best through strong partnerships.

“This district has been our home for more than 20 years. I’m not just focused on today — I’m fighting for the future my children and grandchildren will inherit.”

Education and workforce

Q: How should Georgia balance college and career pathways?
A: We need a balanced approach — strong academic fundamentals alongside expanded career and technical education. Not every student needs a four-year degree, and skilled trades should be equally valued.

Q: How would you expand workforce opportunities?
A: By strengthening partnerships between schools and businesses, expanding apprenticeships and investing in technical education programs.

Policy positions

Q: How would you approach legislation on girls’ sports?
A: I support policies that ensure fairness and protect opportunities for female athletes, while also treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Q: How would you balance senior tax relief with funding needs?
A: Through responsible budgeting, cutting waste and growing the tax base through economic development, while targeting relief to those who need it most.

Q: How would you reduce regulation without harming consumers?
A: By eliminating outdated rules, improving transparency and streamlining processes while maintaining necessary protections.

Values and representation

Q: How do your values guide your decisions?
A: Faith, family and freedom guide everything I do. They shape my commitment to integrity, strong communities and protecting individual liberties.

Q: How will you represent those who disagree with you?
A: By listening, being accessible and treating everyone with respect. My responsibility is to represent the entire district.

Closing

Q: Why should voters choose you?
A: I bring real-world experience, leadership and a long-standing commitment to this community. I’m focused on serving, not titles, and addressing the challenges families face every day.

Q: What is something voters should know about you?
A: This isn’t about politics — it’s about people. Everything I’ve done has been rooted in service, and that’s what drives me to run.