May 20, 2025 Story by: Editor
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially entered the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race, positioning herself as a stabilizing force amid national political turbulence. If elected, she would become Georgia’s first Black governor and the first Democrat to hold the office in over two decades.
A Campaign Rooted in Experience and Resilience
Bottoms, 55, brings a wealth of experience to her campaign. She served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022, navigating the city through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice protests. Her tenure was marked by efforts to maintain property tax rates, avoid layoffs, and secure pay raises for police and firefighters.
After choosing not to seek a second term as mayor, Bottoms joined the Biden administration as the director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, further solidifying her national profile.
Addressing National and Statewide Challenges
In her campaign announcement, Bottoms emphasized the impact of national policies on Georgia’s economy and communities. She criticized the economic uncertainty stemming from former President Donald Trump’s tariffs and highlighted issues such as inflation, job instability, and weakened public services.
“November was a turning point for me, and I know it was for people across the state of Georgia and for people across the country,” Bottoms stated, referencing the 2024 presidential election.
A Competitive Democratic Primary
Bottoms enters a Democratic primary field that includes State Senator Jason Esteves and Atlanta-area pastor Olu Brown. Other potential contenders, such as former gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abrams and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, have expressed interest but have not yet declared their candidacies.
Despite her prominence, Bottoms faces questions about her statewide appeal, particularly outside the Atlanta metropolitan area. Her decision not to seek re-election as mayor also raises considerations about voter perceptions of her political trajectory.
The Republican Field
On the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr has declared his candidacy, and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is expected to join the race. Other potential GOP contenders include Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Georgia gubernatorial election is poised to be a pivotal contest, reflecting broader national dynamics and the state’s evolving political landscape. Bottoms’ entry into the race adds a significant dimension, offering voters a candidate with executive experience and a vision for addressing both state and national challenges.
Source: Politico / AP News / The Washington Post / Axios
