Keisha Lance Bottoms, a proud Florida A&M University alumna, is officially running to become Georgia’s next governor. The former mayor of Atlanta and senior advisor in the Biden administration made the announcement earlier this week, entering a high-stakes 2026 race that could make her the first Black woman ever elected to the position.
Bottoms, who led Atlanta from 2018 to 2022, is no stranger to making history. As one of the few Black women to have led a major U.S. city, she gained national prominence for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and for her strong stances on equity, criminal justice reform, and civic engagement. Her next move? Taking that experience statewide.
“This isn’t just a campaign—it’s a movement to make Georgia work for everyone,” Bottoms said in her official campaign video.
Bottoms’ platform includes expanding Medicaid access, investing in small businesses, improving education funding, and tackling voter suppression across the state. She’s also placing a major focus on workforce development and economic equity for historically underserved communities, including rural Georgians and communities of color.
The 2026 race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the country. Bottoms will face Democratic primary challengers such as State Senator Jason Esteves. On the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr is seen as a frontrunner, vying to succeed outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
A proud Rattler, Bottoms often credits her time at FAMU for shaping her leadership philosophy. Her run for governor not only energizes Georgia’s Democratic base but also holds significant meaning for the HBCU community.
As Georgia’s demographics shift and voter engagement increases among young people—especially Black college students—Bottoms’ campaign is expected to mobilize HBCU campuses across the state.
Bottoms also brings national visibility. She previously served as a senior advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Biden, where she focused on community outreach and policy impact.
With her campaign underway, Bottoms is leaning into grassroots organizing, digital strategy, and community partnerships to build a broad coalition. Her candidacy brings fresh energy to Georgia’s political scene—and a powerful reminder of the leadership legacy that starts on HBCU campuses.
For more on her campaign and vision for Georgia, visit her official campaign site at keishaforgovernor.com.