Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democratic candidate, has become the first Black female governor in U.S. history after securing victory in Georgia, officially announced by the Associated Press. This marks a significant change for Georgia, electing a Democratic governor for the first time in over two decades. Despite this historic win, Bottoms will likely face a Republican majority in at least one legislative chamber.
Bottoms, 56, triumphed over Republican rival Rick Jackson, a billionaire in the healthcare sector endorsed by former President Trump. Although Trump won Georgia in 2024, the state showed a shift from its Republican dominance to a swing state with Democratic senators. However, the governor’s office and legislature remained predominantly Republican.
During her campaign, Bottoms emphasized the importance of fully expanding Medicaid in Georgia, a change requiring legislative approval. She previously served as Atlanta’s mayor for one tumultuous term from 2018-2022, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread social unrest. She chose not to seek re-election as mayor but instead took on an advisory role in the Biden administration.
Jackson targeted Bottoms’ mayoral record in attack ads, alleging she allowed crime to increase before abandoning the city. Atlanta, like many cities, saw a crime surge during the pandemic. Bottoms used opposition to Trump as a driving force in her campaign, pledging to challenge his administration and address rising costs. One proposal involves letting local areas remove sales tax on groceries; another includes the elimination of state income tax for public school teachers.
Data center construction became a significant campaign topic, with Georgia leading in national development. Bottoms advocated for a moratorium on new data centers, calling for expert guidance on future strategies.
Jackson highlighted Trump’s endorsement in his campaign, initially aligning with Trump before distancing during later stages, preferring Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp, as a political ally.
Bottoms secured endorsements from notable Democrats, including former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, and campaigned alongside Sen. Jon Ossoff, Georgia’s Democratic U.S. senator.
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