Former President Joe Biden endorses Keisha Lance Bottoms for Governor

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Democrat and former mayor of Atlanta, is one of several candidates vying for her party’s nomination ahead of the May 19 primary election.

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Former President Joe Biden has endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s race for governor, marking his first endorsement in the state’s 2026 election cycle as the primary approaches.

In a video message released to voters, Biden praised Bottoms’ leadership and experience, pointing to her time leading Atlanta through major challenges and calling her prepared to serve as governor.

Bottoms previously served in the Biden administration as a senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, further strengthening her ties to the former president.

During a recent interview with 41NBC, Bottoms was asked whether she would welcome an endorsement from Biden. At the time, she said she would “love to have” his support.

The endorsement adds to a growing list of national and organizational backing for Bottoms, including support from EMILYs List and Gavin Newsom, among others.

Bottoms’ campaign has focused on issues such as lowering healthcare costs and increasing investment in education. She has also proposed expanding access to pre-kindergarten programs and requiring full-day kindergarten across Georgia.

The Democratic primary field remains competitive, with several candidates in the race, including Geoff Duncan, who has also drawn attention in early polling, along with other contenders seeking to break through ahead of the primary.

On the Republican side, multiple candidates are also competing for their party’s nomination, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched and high-stakes election in Georgia.

The primary election is set for May 19, and the general election will take place November 3.