Keisha Lance Bottoms Considers 2026 Georgia Governor Run
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is weighing a potential return to public office, with her sights set on Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race. In a recent interview with Fox 5 Atlanta, the Democrat confirmed she is seriously considering a bid but wants to wrap up other commitments first—including completing a new book.
A Return to Georgia Politics?
Bottoms, who previously served as a senior advisor in the Biden administration, has remained an influential figure in Democratic politics. While she hasn’t officially declared her candidacy, her remarks suggest she is strongly leaning toward entering the race.
If she runs, Bottoms would likely face a highly competitive political landscape in Georgia, a state that has become increasingly pivotal in national elections. Her tenure as mayor of Atlanta, which spanned from 2018 to 2022, was marked by her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice protests, and economic initiatives in the city.
Criticism of Trump’s Immigration Policies
As she considers her next steps, Bottoms hasn’t shied away from voicing her concerns about President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly on immigration. She criticized the administration for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants, especially those without violent criminal records.
“When I see the raids, I immediately think of the families that are left behind,” Bottoms said, comparing the policy to the family separation issues she faced during her time as mayor. She acknowledged that most people support deporting violent criminals but argued that broader deportation efforts disrupt communities and deepen social divides.
Responding to Trump’s Claims
Trump recently took to Truth Social to claim he fired Bottoms from her position on Biden’s Export Council. However, Bottoms provided a resignation letter from President Joe Biden thanking her for her service, refuting Trump’s claim. She clarified that she had already submitted her resignation in early January before Trump took office and that her role was an unpaid position.
Addressing Her Mayoral Tenure
Bottoms also responded to critics who have accused her of abandoning her role as Atlanta’s mayor by choosing not to seek re-election in 2021. She defended her decision, emphasizing that she served her full four-year term.
“I think people forget that mayors are elected to a four-year term,” she said. “If we want people to serve as mayor for eight years, we should make sure that they are elected to an eight-year term.”
An Unbiased Perspective
Keisha Lance Bottoms’ potential run for governor highlights the shifting political dynamics in Georgia. As a former mayor and White House advisor, she brings experience in both local and national governance. However, her candidacy—if she chooses to run—will likely face challenges, including addressing critiques of her mayoral term and navigating Georgia’s divided electorate.
While her supporters see her as a progressive leader with a track record of managing crises, opponents may point to the struggles Atlanta faced under her leadership as potential weaknesses in a statewide campaign. Ultimately, if Bottoms officially enters the race, it will set the stage for yet another high-profile political battle in Georgia.