Keisha Lance Bottoms has made history by winning the Georgia gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman to serve as governor in the United States. The 56-year-old Democrat defeated Republican challenger Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare CEO, by a margin of nine percentage points.
Her victory marks a significant shift for Georgia, a traditional Republican stronghold that has increasingly become a swing state in recent elections. Lance Bottoms is the first Democrat to win the governor's mansion in nearly three decades. She emphasized her deep roots in the state during her campaign, noting she is at least a fifth-generation Georgian and a descendant of slaves.
Lance Bottoms, who previously served as the Mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022, portrayed herself as a candidate for all Georgians. Her campaign gained momentum with support from national Democratic figures, including former President Barack Obama and Senator Jon Ossoff, who also won his race on Tuesday.
The election results were closely watched for their potential impact on future presidential primaries, with some observers speculating about Ossoff's potential candidacy. As governor, Lance Bottoms would have the power to appoint Ossoff's replacement should he vacate his Senate seat.
The campaign itself was contentious, with Jackson criticizing Lance Bottoms' record as mayor of Atlanta, particularly her handling of the Black Lives Matter protests and rising crime rates during her tenure. Lance Bottoms, in turn, characterized Jackson and former President Trump as out-of-touch.
Lance Bottoms' political career began with a run for Fulton Superior Court judge in 2008, followed by her election to the Atlanta City Council that same year. Her tenure as mayor was marked by challenges, including a significant increase in violent crimes and homicides. Despite these criticisms, she ultimately secured a decisive victory in the gubernatorial race, with Jackson conceding the election.
Lance Bottoms is the daughter of R&B singer Major Lance and is married to attorney Derek Bottoms, who is vice president of employment practices and associate relations for The Home Depot.