Keisha Lance Bottoms challenges Trump in Georgia gubernatorial bid

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat and former mayor of Atlanta, launched her campaign for governor of Georgia, declaring her intention to leverage her experience to lead the state effectively. In her announcement on May 20, 2025, she criticized former President Donald Trump for his economic policies and emphasized her commitment to expanding Medicaid and improving educational opportunities for teachers. Bottoms described her previous tenure as Atlanta's mayor as a time of "battle-tested executive leadership" as she navigated major challenges, including public safety crises and widespread protests following incidents of police violence. She highlighted her ability to provide steady leadership amid chaos. Simultaneously, Keisha Lance Bottoms enters a competitive race against other Democrats, like State Sen. Jason Esteves, and faces Republican candidates, including Attorney General Chris Carr and Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, as they all prepare for the 2026 election, in which incumbent Republican Gov. Brian Kemp cannot run for a third consecutive term. Bottoms, who previously worked in President Biden’s administration, indicated that rising anxiety and uncertainty fueled her desire to run, as well as her determination to fight for Georgia families. The announcement followed a period where Bottoms had garnered national attention for her leadership during tumultuous times in the city. She dealt with the fallout from various events, including the murder of George Floyd, which resulted in protests and a significant rise in crime rates. While her administration faced criticism for its handling of public safety, Bottoms asserted her record provides a foundation of effectiveness that she plans to build upon as governor. In her campaign video, she promised to prioritize the needs of Georgians and articulated a vision for a better state under her leadership. This gubernatorial bid marks a significant moment in Georgia's political landscape, as Bottoms intends to position herself as a counter to the Republican leadership that has dominated the state in recent years. Her campaign, which has already begun to draw attention due to its contentious stance toward Trump and the Republican party, aims to resonate with voters looking for a change in leadership and policy direction in the coming years.