Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announces 2026 governor bid, blasts Trump’s economic policies in campaign launch.

Bottoms Kicks Off Campaign with Economic Critique

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms officially entered the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race on Tuesday, releasing a campaign video sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and vowing to prioritize healthcare and education reforms. Bottoms, a Democrat, previously served as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden and is now seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp.

In her video message, Bottoms targeted Trump’s record on economic and social safety net issues, saying, “Donald Trump is a disaster for our economy and our country. From his failure to address rising prices to giving an unelected billionaire the power to cut Medicare and Social Security. It's one terrible thing after another.” She added, “Georgia families deserve far better than what Donald Trump and Republicans are giving us.”

Bottoms laid out her platform priorities, pledging to expand Medicaid across Georgia and eliminate state income taxes for teachers, framing these proposals as essential steps to improve quality of life and access to public services in the state.

Republican Critics Slam Bottoms’ Record

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) responded swiftly to Bottoms’ announcement, attacking her tenure as mayor of Atlanta. “Keisha Lance Bottoms’ record as Mayor is one that was a disaster for Atlanta — crime skyrocketed, with incidents of homicide, rape, and aggravated assault all surging due to her failed policies,” said RGA Communications Director Courtney Alexander. “The last thing Georgians want is to bring her policies to the entire state.”

Bottoms’ time in the Biden administration adds national experience to her resume. She served as Senior Advisor to the President for Public Engagement in 2022 and was later appointed to the President’s Export Council in 2023. These roles have elevated her profile among Democrats nationally and within Georgia.

A Crowded Race Emerges for 2026

With Governor Brian Kemp ineligible for another term, the 2026 race is already drawing a wide field of contenders. On the Democratic side, Bottoms is joined by state Senator Jason Esteves. For Republicans, state Attorney General Chris Carr has declared his candidacy, while Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is reportedly considering a bid. Jones is known as a close ally of President Trump and would likely energize the former president’s base within the state.

Other names floated as possible Republican candidates include Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Greene, a high-profile Trump supporter, commands a significant national following and could transform the race with her entry.

Independent candidate Olu Brown, a former pastor, has also launched a gubernatorial bid, broadening the field further and setting the stage for a dynamic and potentially contentious election cycle in Georgia.

As the 2026 contest begins to take shape, Bottoms’ campaign is expected to highlight healthcare expansion, education policy, and a contrast between Democratic and Trump-aligned Republican visions for Georgia’s future. Meanwhile, Republican contenders will likely scrutinize Bottoms’ tenure as mayor and her policy alignment with the Biden administration.