Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is stirring speculation about a possible bid for Georgia governor, telling an audience at the Leading Women Defined Summit in California that she plans to make a formal announcement “soon,” according to a report by BET.
While Bottoms stopped short of officially declaring her candidacy, her comments Thursday reinforced earlier suggestions that she is seriously weighing a run to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.
“I’ll be making an announcement soon,” Bottoms reportedly said, adding fuel to growing anticipation among Georgia Democrats seeking a strong contender to reclaim the governor’s mansion.
Bottoms served as mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022, gaining national attention for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests following George Floyd’s death. Since leaving office, she has remained a visible figure in national politics, including a role as senior advisor to President Joe Biden.
If she enters the race, Bottoms would immediately become a high-profile candidate in what is expected to be a competitive and closely watched gubernatorial contest.
Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath, who had previously explored a run for governor, pulled back due to her husband’s health issues. However, she has indicated she may still consider entering the race.
On the Republican side, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has already announced his campaign to succeed Kemp. With the governor’s seat open for the first time in eight years, both parties are gearing up for what could be a defining election in Georgia’s shifting political landscape.
Bottoms’ potential entry into the race is seen as a signal that Democrats are ready to mobilize early. Her ties to the Biden administration and past leadership experience may appeal to a broad base of voters in a state that has become increasingly pivotal in national politics.
