Keisha Lance Bottoms is Running for GA Governor in 2026
UPDATE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Officially Launches GA Governor Campaign
*UPDATE: May 20, 2025 @ 11:00 AM
Former Atlanta Mayor and White House advisor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially launched her campaign to become the next governor of Georgia.
Releasing her announcement on Tuesday (May 20), Bottoms says she has what it takes to run the state and that Georgians are ready for a fresh start from the “dysfunction” of Republicans and the Trump Administration.
“As mayor, I led Atlanta through difficult times, supported small businesses, raised pay for first responders, and expanded affordable housing … Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us right now – I will be a governor for all Georgians,” Bottoms said in her announcement.
Speaking with Fox 5’s Aungelique Proctor following her announcement, Bottoms mentioned some of the items at the top of her agenda. They include support for small businesses, expanding Medicaid for the 300,000 uninsured Georgians, and eliminating income tax for teachers.
“I am a fighter. People are looking for somebody to fight against the chaos that’s coming out of Washington,” she told Proctor. “The chaos is being created by the Donald Trump administration, and I am ready to lead and I am ready to fight on behalf of the community across Georgia.
As Atlanta’s mayor (2018-2022), Bottoms was praised for her work on social justice issues and affordable housing. However, she also received her share of critiques over her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the city’s crime rate.
Following her stint as mayor, Bottoms remained a key player in politics as a senior advisor in the Biden Administration.
Bottoms is the latest high-profile Georgian to enter the race to replace Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited. So far, Democratic State Senator Jason Esteves and Republican Attorney General Chris Carr have officially launched their campaigns.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond are also seen as potential candidates. Stacey Abrams, the Democratic nominee for governor in 2018 and 2022, is also reportedly considering another run.
