Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has officially launched her campaign for Georgia governor in 2026. Her announcement came via a touching video shared on social media that highlighted her upbringing and vision for the state’s future.
Lance Bottoms aims to become the first Democratic governor of Georgia in over two decades. Her campaign focuses on expanding healthcare access, creating jobs, and strengthening education across the state.
Former Atlanta Mayor Announces Bid for Georgia Governor 2026
“Well, my Grandmama taught me, no matter how hard they swing, you never stay down, you fight back,” Lance Bottoms declared in her campaign video. “That’s why I’m running for governor. Because Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us.”
The former mayor’s video offered viewers an intimate look at her upbringing with her grandmother. She connected her personal story to her political motivation for seeking the state’s highest office.
Lance Bottoms previously served as Atlanta’s mayor and worked as a point person for former President Joe Biden’s campaign. Now, she hopes to add “Governor of Georgia” to her list of accomplishments.
Healthcare Crisis Under Republican Leadership Drives Campaign
Lance Bottoms sharply criticized the current healthcare situation in Georgia. She highlighted how the state’s refusal to expand Medicaid has led to nine rural hospital closures.
“300,000 citizens have had their healthcare cut,” Lance Bottoms stated in her announcement. This healthcare crisis forms a central pillar of her campaign platform.
The candidate promises to prioritize healthcare access for all Georgians. Her plan includes pushing for Medicaid expansion to provide coverage to hundreds of thousands of currently uninsured residents.
Trump Administration Policies Hurting Georgia’s Economy
Lance Bottoms didn’t hold back in her criticism of President Trump, calling him “a disaster for our economy and our country.” She specifically mentioned his failure to address rising prices affecting Georgia families.
“Trump 2.0 has been even more catastrophic,” she stated in a recent interview. “From the 600,000 people across our state who have jobs that are directly impacted by what’s happening in our Port of Savannah and Trump’s tariff policies to people being laid off at the CDC.”
The candidate emphasized how Trump’s economic policies have negatively affected Georgians. “Everything that Trump does is impacting us, whether you’re looking at your retirement account or you are a CEO who’s looking at stock prices fluctuate,” she said.
Independent Campaign Despite White House Experience
Despite her ties to the Biden administration, Lance Bottoms insists this campaign is entirely her own. “I’m going to make the case for me. I’m not running based on anybody else’s record or their decisions,” she affirmed.
Lance Bottoms acknowledged learning valuable advocacy lessons during her White House tenure. She mentioned especially understanding “what you want and how to ask for it” as a crucial skill from that experience.
Her campaign faces challenges from Republican opponents who aim to brand her as a “Biden Democrat.” Several GOP leaders have already started targeting Democratic contenders, including Lance Bottoms, as being too liberal for Georgia.
Growing Support Among Voters Despite Republican Opposition
Lance Bottoms’ announcement video received an outpouring of support on social media. Many commenters expressed enthusiasm for her candidacy, including some from outside Georgia.
This early positive reception suggests her message may resonate with voters. Her campaign themes of healthcare access and economic fairness appear to be striking a chord.
Nevertheless, Lance Bottoms acknowledges she has significant work ahead on the campaign trail. Becoming Georgia’s first Democratic governor in over twenty years presents a formidable challenge in the traditionally Republican-leaning state.
Education and Job Creation Central to Lance Bottoms’ Vision
While specific details about her education platform are still emerging, Lance Bottoms has signaled that strengthening Georgia’s schools will be a priority. She connects education to economic opportunity throughout her messaging.
Job creation forms another cornerstone of her campaign strategy. She has highlighted how current policies affect employment, particularly at major economic engines like the Port of Savannah.
Lance Bottoms’ approach combines her experience as Atlanta’s mayor with a statewide vision. Her campaign promises to focus on practical solutions that address everyday challenges facing Georgia families.
