Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has launched her bid to become Georgia’s next governor in the 2026 election, aiming to make history as the first person to jump from Atlanta’s top job to the state’s highest office. The Democrat announced her campaign in May 2025, highlighting her experience in city leadership and national roles to appeal to voters statewide amid a crowded primary field.
Campaign Launch and Goals
Bottoms kicked off her gubernatorial run with a focus on unity and progress for Georgia. She positions herself as a battle tested leader who can tackle issues like education, healthcare, and economic growth.
Her announcement drew attention for its potential milestones. If successful, Bottoms would be the first Black woman to serve as governor in United States history. She also seeks to end a long drought for Democrats in the role, as no member of her party has won Georgia’s governorship since 2003.
Supporters praise her record, including efforts to address housing affordability and public safety during her time as mayor from 2018 to 2022. Critics, however, point to challenges like rising crime rates in Atlanta under her watch.
Bottoms has been active on the campaign trail, making stops in cities like Columbus to connect with voters. She emphasizes building coalitions across urban and rural areas to flip the state blue.
Key Challenges in the Race
The path ahead is tough for Bottoms. She faces a Democratic primary in May 2026 with at least six other candidates vying for the nomination.
Republican opponents are already gearing up. State Attorney General Chris Carr has entered the race on the GOP side, promising strong law and order policies.
Political analysts note that no Atlanta mayor has ever become Georgia governor, a fact Bottoms embraces as motivation. She told crowds in recent appearances that breaking barriers is part of her story.
Voter turnout will be crucial. Georgia’s shifting demographics, with growing suburban and minority populations, could play in her favor after close races in recent years.
Bottoms must also address past controversies. Her decision not to seek reelection as mayor in 2021 surprised many, and some blame her administration for Atlanta’s struggles during the COVID pandemic.
Experience and National Profile
Bottoms brings a mix of local and federal experience to her campaign. After leaving the mayor’s office, she joined the Biden administration as a senior advisor in 2022, focusing on public engagement until 2023.
She later served on the President’s Export Council and as vice chair for civic engagement at the Democratic National Committee. These roles boosted her national visibility.
Her time as mayor included high profile moments, such as standing up to former President Trump during protests in 2020. Bottoms uses this to portray herself as a fighter against division.
In interviews, like a recent one on The Breakfast Club, she shared her readiness to return to politics. She described the campaign as stepping back into the ring for Georgia families.
Bottoms highlights her Atlanta roots, born in the city in 1970, and her legal background as an attorney. She represented southwest Atlanta on the city council before becoming mayor.
Policy Priorities and Vision
Education tops Bottoms’ agenda. She pledges to improve school funding and teacher pay to boost student outcomes across the state.
On healthcare, she supports expanding access, especially in rural areas hit hard by hospital closures. Economic development is another focus, with plans to attract jobs in tech and manufacturing.
Here are some of her key policy stances:
- Strengthen public safety through community policing and mental health support.
- Promote affordable housing to address rising costs in growing areas.
- Invest in infrastructure, including roads and public transit.
- Advocate for voting rights to ensure fair elections.
Bottoms contrasts her vision with Republican leadership, warning of risks to progress under continued GOP control.
Public Reaction and Polling Data
Early reactions to Bottoms’ campaign are mixed. Supporters on social media express excitement, seeing her as a fresh voice for change.
Critics, including some Republicans, label her as out of touch with rural voters. One strategist called her unelectable due to her urban focused record.
Recent polls show a tight race. A survey from November 2025 indicates Bottoms leads the Democratic field with about 35 percent support, but many voters remain undecided.
| Poll Source | Date | Bottoms Support | Leading GOP | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Polling Group | November 2025 | 35% | 42% (Carr) | 23% |
| Southern Survey | October 2025 | 32% | 40% | 28% |
| Statewide Insights | September 2025 | 28% | 38% | 34% |
These numbers suggest Bottoms has ground to gain, especially in swing areas like metro Atlanta suburbs.
As the campaign heats up, Bottoms continues touring the state, from Savannah to Augusta, building momentum.
What Lies Ahead for Georgia Politics
The 2026 election could reshape Georgia’s future. With national eyes on the state after tight presidential races, the governor’s contest carries high stakes.
Bottoms aims to mobilize young and diverse voters who turned out in record numbers in 2020 and 2024. She calls for unity to overcome partisan divides.
Experts predict heavy spending, with both parties pouring resources into ads and outreach. Bottoms’ ability to fundraise will be key, as she has already secured endorsements from national figures.
Voters face choices on issues like abortion rights, gun control, and climate action, where Bottoms positions herself as a progressive yet pragmatic leader.
As this story develops, share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media. What do you think of Bottoms’ chances in the race?
