Keisha Lance Bottoms sits for an interview on November 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen)

The race:
Georgia governor

Party:
Democrat

The lane:
A moderate Democrat promoting economic opportunity while supporting working families. 

The basics:
Bottoms was the 60th Mayor of Atlanta, serving from 2017-2021. She is also the only person to ever serve in all three branches of government, previously serving as a judge and a city councilmember.

Why she’s running:
Bottoms is focused on expanding Medicaid, investing in education, building more affordable housing and closing the wealth gap in Georgia.

What’s working:
Bottoms has strong name recognition among her base of voters in Atlanta. 

The challenge:
Building her name recognition outside Atlanta and explaining why she was a one-term mayor. 

What to watch:
Whether she can get across the finish line in the May 19 primary with more than 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff.

Campaign website: https://www.keishaforgovernor.com/