ATLANTA, Ga. — Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor Thursday, releasing a video that highlights her record as Atlanta mayor and her campaign promises heading into November.
In the message, Obama asked Georgians to support my friend Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor. He said she believes public service is about putting people first, citing investments in young people and historic pay raises for police officers and firefighters, and balancing Atlanta’s budget without raising taxes.
Obama said Bottoms has a plan to lower costs, expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and give communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes. He also said she would work to guarantee pre-K for every 4-year-old and that there is a lot at stake in this election.
Bottoms will face Republican Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, in November. Early voting starts Tuesday, Oct. 13, and Election Day is Nov. 3. Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. The race is virtually tied according to recent polling, with Jackson slightly ahead but still within the margin of error.
Jackson was endorsed by President Donald Trump in July after Lt. Gov. Burt Jones lost the Republican primary. At a recent town hall-style debate, Bottoms tried to tie Jackson to Trump, while Jackson linked himself more closely to Kemp and said he would stand up when he disagrees.
Obama also released a separate ad Thursday boosting Sen. Jon Ossoff in his reelection bid against U.S. Rep. Mike Collins. The endorsement landed after Bottoms and Jackson faced undecided voters on affordability, health care, data centers and related issues.
