Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms launches bid for Georgia governor

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a prominent Democrat, has officially announced her candidacy for governor of Georgia, citing her experience as Atlanta mayor as valuable preparation for the role. At 55 years old, Bottoms is positioning herself as a “fighter for Georgia” in the face of uncertainty and anxiety stemming from the current political climate.

Her entry into the 2026 race follows State Sen. Jason Esteves, who declared his candidacy earlier this year. Both Democrats are vying to succeed Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is ineligible to run for a third term. On the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr has already launched his campaign, with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones expected to join the race soon.

Bottoms, a lawyer and former magistrate judge, served a single term as mayor of Atlanta, a tenure overshadowed by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite facing criticism and controversy during her time in office, Bottoms believes her record on issues such as crime and public safety, as well as her efforts to support first responders, will resonate with voters.

As a vocal supporter of President Joe Biden and a former member of his administration, Bottoms is confident in her ability to lead and deliver results for the people of Georgia. She dismisses concerns about her association with Biden’s administration and emphasizes her commitment to public service and community development.

One of Bottoms’ key initiatives as mayor was the construction of a new public safety training center in Atlanta, a $118 million project aimed at modernizing outdated facilities and improving law enforcement training. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Bottoms remains steadfast in her belief that her leadership during turbulent times has prepared her for the responsibilities of the governor’s office.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, Bottoms will face competition from other Democratic candidates, including former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and potentially Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in 2018. With a focus on delivering results, building stronger communities, and addressing key issues facing Georgia, Bottoms is determined to make her mark on the upcoming election.