Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Run for Georgia Governor

Former Atlanta Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, has declared her intention to run in the 2026 Georgia Governor race.

Bottoms made her announcement via a campaign video, where she criticized former President Donald Trump’s economic strategies. She characterized his approach as favoring “unelected billionaires,” while showcasing footage of Elon Musk.

In her discussion, she referred to a claim made by Trump in a post on Truth Social, where he alleged that she was fired from her position on the President’s Export Council on his first day in office. “When Donald Trump fired me from a job I didn’t hold, I laughed. But for the many hardworking Georgians who lost their jobs, Donald Trump isn’t a laughing matter,” she asserted.

She continued on Twitter, stating, “I was raised to stand up to bullies and fight for what’s right. We deserve better than what Trump and the Republicans are offering. I’m not afraid to stand up for the people of Georgia.”

Bottoms indicated that she submitted her resignation on Instagram on January 4th.

In her campaign video, she outlined key promises, like expanding Medicaid and safeguarding first responders. Bottoms, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, previously held positions as a city council member and judge. After her mayoral term, she was appointed as a senior advisor in the Biden administration and played a significant role in the Democratic National Committee, contributing to the 2024 campaign.

This announcement comes as Georgia has emerged as one of the critical swing states, impacting political dynamics in the region.

In a recent interview, Bottoms remarked, “Georgia is navigating uncertain times. People are seeking leaders dedicated to fighting for them.” She emphasized that her primary focus is on expanding Medicaid, which aims to bolster local hospitals and provide health insurance for low-income individuals.

During her time as mayor, she garnered attention for navigating the complexities of 19 Republican policies in collaboration with Governor Brian Kemp and for her response to social justice protests following George Floyd’s murder.

During demonstrations in Atlanta in 2020, she urged community members to return home and engage in constructive conversations, expressing a desire for unity and communication.

Besides Bottoms, other confirmed candidates include Republican Georgia Attorney General Chris Kerr and Democrat Senator Jason Estevez. In early May, Kemp announced he would not seek re-election. Former candidate Stacey Abrams, who has previously challenged Kemp, is reportedly contemplating a run for a third time, having claimed her previous election was unjustly decided.