Keisha Lance Bottoms is Running for GA Governor in 2026
She’s IN! Keisha Lance Bottoms is Running for GA Governor in 2026
It’s official: Former Atlanta Mayor and White House advisor Keisha Lance Bottoms has confirmed she is running to become the next governor of Georgia.
In a statement to Fox 5 Atlanta, Bottoms said she is taking the first formal step towards her candidacy.
“I am honored and humbled by the encouragement I have received as I have considered running for Governor. I am taking an important administrative step in this journey by filing necessary paperwork to establish a Campaign Committee. I look forward to making an announcement in the coming weeks.”
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.