Story perspectives

Bottoms Wins Georgia Democratic Nomination, Aims to End GOP Streak

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination with over 50% of the primary vote, avoiding a runoff.
President Joe Biden endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms, citing her experience as mayor and White House adviser.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who will meet billionaire Rick Jackson in a June 16 runoff.
Keisha Lance Bottoms aims to end Georgia’s 24-year Republican governorship streak, the first Democratic governor since 1998.

History

Historical Context

Roy Barnes’s 1998 victory, winning 52% of the vote, marked the last time a Democrat became Georgia governor, ending decades of Democratic control before a Republican sweep began. In the 2026 race, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, endorsed by President Joe Biden, seeks to reverse that trend against Republican Burt Jones, echoing Barnes’s partisan shift.

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Story summary

Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic gubernatorial nomination with over 50% of the primary vote, avoiding a runoff.
President Joe Biden endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms, citing her experience as mayor and White House adviser.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who will meet billionaire Rick Jackson in a June 16 runoff.
Keisha Lance Bottoms aims to end Georgia’s 24-year Republican governorship streak, the first Democratic governor since 1998.

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