Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has formally announced her candidacy for the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race, positioning herself as a historic contender with deep ties to both executive leadership and grassroots engagement.
A Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna, Bottoms would become Georgia’s first Black female governor if elected — a milestone that would mark a continuation of the legacy forged by other prominent HBCU graduates in state politics.
A Candidacy Rooted in Leadership and Unity
Bottoms, 55, previously served as mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022, during which she led the city through complex challenges including civil unrest, police reform debates, and public health crises.
She later joined the Biden administration as a senior advisor, focusing on public engagement and voter protection at the national level. In her campaign announcement, Bottoms emphasized a platform centered on:
- Expanding Medicaid access statewide
- Supporting Georgia’s small businesses
- Investing in workforce training and technical education
“We cannot lead a strong Georgia unless every Georgian feels seen, heard, and supported,” Bottoms said in a prepared statement.
Following the Trail Blazed by Stacey Abrams
Bottoms’ campaign arrives in the shadow of fellow HBCU graduate Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in both 2018 and 2022. Abrams, a Spelman College alumna, made national headlines during both races but was ultimately defeated by Republican Brian Kemp.
Despite those losses, Abrams’ efforts mobilized record-breaking voter turnout and reframed Georgia’s role in national politics. Her work laid a foundation that many see Bottoms now building upon.
“We’ve seen what’s possible when leadership looks like the people it serves,” said one local HBCU organizer based in Clayton County. “Bottoms represents a continuation of that vision.”
HBCU Roots and Atlanta’s Political Network
As a proud graduate of FAMU, Bottoms enters the race with the support of a strong HBCU alumni base — particularly in the Atlanta metro area, where Black voter influence remains high and civic infrastructure runs deep.
Her campaign is expected to lean on relationships forged during her time as mayor and as a White House advisor. Observers also note her public service record includes efforts to increase police salaries, modernize public safety systems, and expand affordable housing initiatives within Atlanta.
A Competitive Democratic Primary Ahead
While Bottoms is the highest-profile Democrat to announce so far, insiders expect additional candidates to enter the field, including potential returns from past nominees. The Democratic primary will likely serve as a major test of party unity in Georgia, especially in a post-Abrams landscape.
The Republican field has not yet solidified, though Governor Brian Kemp is constitutionally barred from running again in 2026 due to term limits.
Why It Matters to Clayton County
Clayton County remains one of the most democratically reliable counties in the state, playing a critical role in recent elections, including the 2020 presidential race and the 2021 Senate runoffs.
Bottoms’ campaign is expected to focus heavily on South Metro counties, including Clayton, Henry, and DeKalb — areas where education, healthcare, and infrastructure investment remain urgent concerns.
“Clayton County helped flip Georgia blue,” said local civic volunteer Tanya B. “We expect the next governor to recognize that power and reinvest here.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 gubernatorial election will take place in November of next year, with primaries expected to begin by mid-2026. Bottoms has yet to release a full campaign schedule, but her team has launched early voter outreach efforts and policy roundtables in major counties.
For now, her entry marks a significant moment in Georgia’s political timeline — one that could reshape conversations about leadership, legacy, and equity for years to come.
