Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Bid for Georgia Governor in 2026

Atlanta, GA (BuzzReport) – Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms officially announced her candidacy for Georgia Governor on Tuesday morning, setting her sights on becoming the state’s first Black female governor. The move comes weeks after Bottoms hinted at a run for the wide-open 2026 gubernatorial race, following the departure of current Governor Brian Kemp, who is term-limited.

Bottoms aims to achieve what fellow Democrat Stacey Abrams attempted in the last two gubernatorial elections, promising a fresh vision for Georgia’s future. In a campaign launch video, she drew parallels between the care and attention a governor should provide with the loving phone calls her grandmother made to family, emphasizing the need for “simple acts of love” for Georgia residents.

“This is a defining moment for Georgia and for our country,” Bottoms declared in her campaign announcement. “With chaos in Washington, Georgians need a leader who will stand up for them. I’m running for governor to fight for Georgia families and deliver the leadership they deserve.”

With Governor Kemp unable to seek a third term, the 2026 race is wide open, attracting significant attention. Bottoms aims to capitalize on what she sees as a need for strong leadership in the face of national uncertainty. “The state is looking for a fighter right now. Someone who will fight against the chaos that’s coming out of Washington. Someone who will provide strong leadership, and that person, I believe, is me,” she stated.

Bottoms is launching her campaign on a platform addressing key policy issues, including expanding Medicaid access, providing more support for Georgia teachers, and tackling the rising cost of housing to keep it affordable for all Georgians.

The race is shaping up to be closely contested. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is currently the only announced Republican candidate. On the Democratic side, Bottoms joins State Senator Jason Esteves from Atlanta. The Democratic party has not won a gubernatorial election in Georgia this century, making the upcoming race a crucial test for the party’s strength in the state. Bottoms’ entry into the race promises a dynamic and potentially historic election cycle.