Keisha Lance Bottoms Enters Georgia Governor's Race as Second Democrat to Declare Candidacy

Strategic Insights -

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta Mayor and current White House Public Engagement Advisor, has announced her candidacy for Georgia Governor in 2026. Bottoms, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, becomes the second Democrat to enter the race, following Atlanta state Sen. Jason Esteves. As a senior advisor to former President Joe Biden, Bottoms brings experience and name recognition to the campaign, but faces challenges including criticism for her handling of protests after the murder of George Floyd and her decision not to seek re-election as mayor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta Mayor and White House Public Engagement Advisor, has announced her candidacy for Georgia Governor in 2026.
  • Bottoms served as mayor from 2018 to 2022 and as a senior advisor to former President Joe Biden.
  • She becomes the second Democrat to enter the race, following Atlanta state Sen. Jason Esteves.
  • Bottoms faced criticism for her handling of protests after the murder of George Floyd and her decision not to seek re-election as mayor.
  • Bottoms says her campaign will prioritize issues important outside of Atlanta, including expanding Medicaid, supporting small businesses, and eliminating teacher income taxes.
  • She has the advantage of having led Georgia's largest city and having support from Washington, D.C. Democratic figures.
  • However, Andra Gillespie, a political science professor at Emory University, notes that Bottoms has never run for statewide office before and may face challenges in winning support outside of Atlanta.
  • Gillespie also notes that the Democratic primary will be competitive and that Democrats need to resolve organizational problems to have a chance to beat a Republican for governor.

Statistics:

  • $180 million: The amount in Atlanta's rainy day fund when Bottoms left as mayor, even in the midst of economic downturn.
  • 300,000: The number of people who may be covered by expanded Medicaid, according to Bottoms.
  • 2020: The year Bottoms says she achieved historic pay raises for Atlanta police officers and firefighters.
  • 2022: The year Bottoms ended her term as mayor of Atlanta.

Sources:

  • Georgia Recorder, "Jockeying for Georgia governor, US Senate 2026 races heats up" (May 2025)
  • Georgia Recorder, "GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE"