Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms was elected Georgia governor on Tuesday, becoming the first Black woman governor in U.S. history and ending 22 years of Republican control of the state’s highest office. She defeated Republican Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, in a closely watched race that drew national attention due to its implications for state and federal policy.
Bottoms secured 56% of the vote to Jackson’s 44%, according to early returns with 72% of precincts reporting. The victory marks the first time a Democrat has won Georgia’s governorship since Roy Barnes in 1998, who lost reelection in 2002. Democrats also maintained control of the state’s U.S. Senate seat, with Sen. Jon Ossoff winning reelection.
Key Policy Positions of the Candidates
Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor and senior adviser to President Joe Biden, campaigned on expanding Medicaid access, increasing affordable housing, and providing free tuition to technical and community colleges. She also emphasized public education improvements and cost-of-living relief for Georgia residents.
Jackson, a self-funded candidate who spent $213 million of his own money—including $210 million from personal funds—positioned himself as a political outsider. His platform included tax cuts, government spending reductions, and term limits for elected officials. Jackson, who spent part of his childhood in foster care, highlighted his business success as a healthcare entrepreneur and pledged to reform foster care systems. He also advocated for law enforcement support, stricter immigration enforcement, and policies restricting transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ sports.
Campaign Dynamics and Endorsements
Jackson defeated Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican primary, earning the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who campaigned alongside him in Atlanta. Bottoms, meanwhile, received support from former President Barack Obama during a final campaign event in Atlanta.
The race unfolded in a state that has shifted politically in recent years. Georgia, once a Republican stronghold, narrowly backed Biden in 2020 before returning to Trump in 2024. Polling in late September and October showed Jackson with a narrow 1.2% lead over Bottoms, though the final results reflected a wider margin.
Historical Significance
Bottoms’ election breaks a decades-long Republican hold on Georgia’s governorship, which has been in GOP hands since 2003. Her victory also makes her the first Black woman to serve as governor in U.S. history. The outcome follows Democrats’ gains in Georgia, including capturing both U.S. Senate seats in 2021 and holding them in subsequent elections.
Next Steps for the Governor-Elect
Bottoms will assume office in January 2025, succeeding term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Her administration is expected to prioritize healthcare expansion, education funding, and economic policies aimed at addressing rising living costs in the state.