Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms expects to announce her campaign for governor of Georgia soon. The prominent Democrat revealed her intentions on April 4, known locally as “404 Day” in celebration of Atlanta’s area code.
Bottoms confirmed to multiple news outlets that she is “seriously considering” a run for the state’s top office. Her potential candidacy adds a major name to the Democratic field ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Former Atlanta Mayor Sets Sights on Governor’s Mansion
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us that there is a ‘fierce urgency of now,'” Bottoms said in a statement to The Atlanta Voice. “For the people of Georgia, that includes having leaders who aren’t blindly following Trump off of a moral and economic cliff but are focused on the pressing needs in our communities.”
The former mayor has been exploring a potential bid alongside other notable Georgia Democrats. Her entry into the race would mark a significant return to politics after choosing not to seek re-election as Atlanta’s mayor.
Historic Leadership and Progressive Record
During her time as Atlanta’s mayor, Bottoms made history as only the second Black woman elected to lead the city. Her administration championed affordable housing while strongly advocating for social issues including immigration and LGBTQ+ rights.
Bottoms notably stood against former President Trump’s immigration policies. She declared that Atlanta would not follow executive orders regarding ICE detainment and deportations during Trump’s first term in office.
Georgia’s Competitive Political Landscape
Bottoms joins a growing field of Democrats eyeing the governorship. Rep. Lucy McBath was previously exploring a run but withdrew due to her husband’s cancer treatment. Other potential candidates include Jason Carter, former state senator and grandson of President Jimmy Carter.
Georgia’s political scene has grown increasingly competitive in recent years. While the state has trended purple in federal elections, it hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since Roy Barnes in 1999. Democrats hope to change this trend with strong candidates and increased voter turnout.
Recent White House Role and Political Future
Bottoms recently made headlines by clarifying that she resigned from her White House advisory position when President Trump took office. She emphasized that she left the President’s Export Council before Trump claimed to have fired her and others.
Many political observers are watching Georgia’s upcoming races with heightened interest. Besides the governor’s race, the state will feature a critical Senate contest in 2026 when Sen. Jon Ossoff faces re-election. These races could further define Georgia’s evolving political identity.
