News Summary
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has launched her campaign for governor of Georgia in the upcoming election. By filing the necessary paperwork, she aims to gain support as she prepares to outline her vision for the state. Bottoms, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, garnered attention for her social justice initiatives, while facing various challenges during her tenure. Her candidacy marks a significant moment in a competitive political landscape, with potential implications for Georgia’s Democratic party.
Atlanta, Georgia – Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially announced her campaign to run for governor of Georgia in the 2026 election. Bottoms took a significant step toward her candidacy by filing the necessary paperwork to form a campaign committee. In her announcement, she expressed her appreciation for the encouragement she received while contemplating the gubernatorial run.
In her campaign launch statement, Bottoms indicated that she intends to make a more comprehensive announcement in the weeks to come, further outlining her plans and vision for the state. This announcement comes after her hinting at a potential gubernatorial bid earlier this month during an appearance at the Leading Women Defined Summit in California.
Keisha Lance Bottoms served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022. During her tenure, she earned praise for her initiatives on social justice issues and her efforts towards affordable housing. However, her administration faced several significant challenges, including a massive cyberattack and a federal corruption investigation involving former Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration. Additionally, Bottoms encountered criticism for her handling of rising violent crime rates in Atlanta and her policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many residents.
Since leaving office, Bottoms has remained active in public service, serving as a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden and playing a notable role in his administration. As she sets her sights on the governor’s mansion, she enters a political landscape where the current governor, Brian Kemp, is term-limited and considering a potential run for the U.S. Senate.
The field for the governor’s race is becoming populated as well, with state Senator Jason Esteves recently announcing his candidacy. Despite interest among various politicians, high-profile Democrats like Jason Carter and U.S. Representative Lucy McBath have decided to refrain from entering the gubernatorial race due to personal considerations.
If Bottoms successfully wins the election, she would make history as the first Democrat to lead Georgia since 2003 and the first Black woman governor in the country’s history. This potential milestone underscores the significance of her candidacy, particularly as the Democratic field currently lacks a clear frontrunner. Her previous campaign for mayor was notably supported by Black women, a crucial voting demographic for the state’s Democratic party.
Bottoms’ time as mayor was marked by her controversial response to protests that arose following the death of George Floyd, which highlighted racial and social issues within the community. The upcoming gubernatorial election in 2026 is expected to be a high-profile and competitive race, with various candidates positioning themselves for an intense battle in both the Democratic and Republican spheres.
As the campaign unfolds, much will depend on how Bottoms formulates her platform and connects with voters across Georgia. With the filing of her campaign committee, she has initiated her journey toward a campaign trail that may reshape the state’s political landscape.
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Additional Resources
- AJC
- Wikipedia: Keisha Lance Bottoms
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Keisha Lance Bottoms Georgia Governor Race
- Politico
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Keisha Lance Bottoms
- WSBTV
- Google News: Keisha Lance Bottoms Georgia Governor
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
