Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Bid for Georgia Governor in 2026
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially entered the race for Georgia governor in 2026, becoming the second Democrat to declare her candidacy. Bottoms, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, previously opted not to seek reelection but later acted as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden.
During her mayoral term, Bottoms faced significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder. She highlighted her administration’s achievements, such as securing historic pay raises for first responders and maintaining a robust $180 million rainy day fund, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges.
In her campaign, Bottoms aims to focus on expanding Medicaid for approximately 300,000 Georgians, supporting small businesses, and eliminating income tax for teachers. “We all want safe and thriving communities…access to quality education and healthcare,” she stated, indicating her commitment to addressing issues outside of Atlanta.
Political analysts recognize the importance of securing Black voter turnout and establishing support from rural Georgians, critical for any Democratic candidate in the upcoming elections. While Bottoms has notable experience leading Georgia’s largest city, skepticism arises regarding her ability to pivot to statewide appeal, as she has not run for higher office before.
Bottoms’ entry follows state Senator Jason Esteves, who launched his campaign in May. As the political landscape evolves, the focus remains on whether prominent figures like Stacey Abrams will also join the race.
Political science professor Andra Gillespie noted that Bottoms may face attacks on her political decisions during her mayoralty. However, she possesses the leveraging of Washington connections, which could aid her campaign. The upcoming primaries will see the Democratic candidates presenting their credentials against a backdrop of systemic organizational challenges within the party.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
