Keisha Lance Bottoms, a FAMU journalism graduate and former Atlanta mayor who served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, is poised to launch a campaign for Georgia governor within weeks, positioning herself as a staunch opponent of former President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda, according to a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Bottoms, who rose to national prominence during her tenure as mayor (2018–2022), confirmed her plans to enter the race amid a shifting political landscape. Her decision follows U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath’s recent suspension of her exploratory gubernatorial bid to prioritize her husband’s health. This development positions Bottoms as a potential front-runner for the Democratic nomination to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.
Known for her deep ties to metro Atlanta—home to Georgia’s largest Democratic voter base—Bottoms boasts significant name recognition and a track record of mobilizing Black women, a cornerstone demographic for the party. Her 2017 mayoral victory was fueled by overwhelming support from this constituency, which remains pivotal to her political strategy.
In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bottoms framed her candidacy as a direct rebuttal to Trump-era policies, emphasizing the need to “protect Georgia’s progress” on voting rights, healthcare, and economic equity. “This race isn’t just about who leads Georgia—it’s about whose values will define our future,” she stated.
Political analysts note her potential to galvanize urban and suburban voters, though she may face challenges in appealing to rural conservatives. Republican strategists have already signaled plans to tie her to Biden’s administration, which remains polarizing in the swing state.
If successful, Bottoms would be the first Black woman elected governor of Georgia. Her expected entry sets the stage for a high-stakes battle over the state’s direction, with Democrats aiming to reclaim an office held by Republicans since 2003.