Metropolitan Business Association (MBA) president Gina Duncan is making history as the first transgender candidate to run for Orange County Commission.
On Jan. 6, Duncan filed with the Supervisor of Elections to run for the District 5 seat. She said she's been considering a run for office for the past year, while fulfilling her role as head of the MBA.
“I have been interacting with so many business owners and major corporations, and it showed me there's a need for new voice in Orange County government,” Duncan said. “Someone who knows how to create a welcoming environment to attract corporations.”
Her primary initiatives are job creation, responsible development and an improved quality of life through an economically inclusive environment. If elected, Duncan said she'd hold a monthly town hall meeting in different areas of District 5 to increase the visibility of the office. Additionally, she said her work through the MBA has also exposed her to a lack of support for the self-employed and one of her goals in office would be to increase small business lending. Duncan brings to the table 30 years of experience in the mortgage banking industry.
Duncan said that as an out transgender woman, she's “absolutely” prepared for the increased exposure a political campaign would bring.
“I bring to the table a unique life journey that has given me a broader perspective, a great number of things which have prepared me for this run for county commissioner,” she said. “If you are true to yourself, people will understand that and people will support you.”
She said her family is also supportive of her campaign. Duncan has two grown children.
Duncan is running against incumbent Ted Edwards, who was elected to the seat in 2010. The primary election is Aug. 14, with the general election set for Nov. 6. District 5 covers the northeast corner of the county, including much of Mills Ave. north of Colonial.
