Former President Barack Obama endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia governor

Former President Obama released a campaign video Thursday endorsing Bottoms and highlighting her record in public service as a former judge, Atlanta City Council member and mayor.

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Former President Barack Obama is urging Georgia voters to support Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November election.

In the video, Obama points to Bottoms’ work on issues including public safety, education and fiscal policy. He also highlights her plans to lower costs, expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and give communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes.

“This is Barack Obama. Georgia, I hope you’ll support my friend, Keisha Lance Bottoms, for governor,” Obama said.

Obama also praised Bottoms for what he described as historic pay raises for police officers and firefighters and for balancing Atlanta’s budget without raising taxes.

Bottoms served as mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022. During her time as mayor, she worked with the Obama administration to relaunch My Brother’s Keeper in Atlanta, an initiative focused on addressing opportunity gaps for young men of color.

Obama also pointed to Bottoms’ role as a mother of four, saying she understands the importance of giving children a strong start. He highlighted her proposal to guarantee pre-K for every 4-year-old in Georgia.

“There is a lot at stake in this election, Georgia. Make your voice heard, and vote for Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor,” Obama said.

Bottoms is running as the Democratic nominee for governor. The endorsement comes as Georgia voters prepare to decide who will lead the state in the next administration.

41NBC reached out to the Bottoms campaign to ask whether Obama plans to visit Georgia to campaign in person for the Democratic nominee. The campaign tells 41NBC it is not sure yet whether the former president will make a campaign visit, but will let us know if those plans change.