Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has made history after winning Georgia’s gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman to be elected governor of a US state.
Bottoms, a Democrat, defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson in Tuesday’s election, ending more than two decades of Republican control of Georgia’s governorship and marking a major milestone in American politics.
The 56-year-old will succeed outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican who could not seek another term because of constitutional term limits. Her victory also makes her the first woman to serve as Georgia’s governor.
Jackson reportedly spent more than $100 million of his personal fortune on his campaign, but the substantial financial backing was not enough to secure him victory.
Bottoms previously served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022. She later joined former President Joe Biden’s administration, where she worked as a senior adviser and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.
During her campaign, she placed emphasis on the cost of living, access to healthcare, voting rights and improving living conditions across Georgia. She also promised to support policies that would expand Medicaid coverage and ease financial pressures on working families.
Her election marks a significant breakthrough for Black women in US politics. Georgia had never elected a woman or a Black candidate to the state’s highest political office before her victory.
Bottoms is expected to take office in January 2027, beginning a new administration and making history as the first Black woman to lead a US state.
