Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia governor race in historic election – FOX 5 Atlanta

Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia governor race in historic election  FOX 5 Atlanta

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms captured the Georgia governor's office Tuesday, defeating Republican businessman Rick Jackson to become the first Black woman elected governor in American history. Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms speaks at a campaign event on October 17, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia. Bottoms is facing Republican Gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson and Ossoff is facing Republican Sen. Mike Collins for ATLANTA – Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms captured the Georgia governor's office Tuesday, defeating Republican businessman Rick Jackson to become the first Black woman elected governor in American history. Bottoms is the first Democrat to win a Georgia governor's race since 1998, succeeding Republican Gov. Brian Kemp after he was barred by law from seeking a third term.

Her victory arrived despite a substantial spending gap against Jackson, who spent more than $200 million of his own fortune. Bottoms previously served as Atlanta mayor and worked as a senior adviser in the Biden White House. Her victory makes her the first Atlanta mayor elected to the state's highest executive office. The contentious campaign pivoted on ideological divides regarding health care access, economic relief, abortion and public safety. Bottoms is only the fourth Black governor elected in U.S. history, following three Democratic men, and was one of two Black women seeking governorships nationwide alongside Republican Lisa Demuth of Minnesota. Her