Keisha Lance Bottoms has made history after winning Georgia’s gubernatorial election. She becomes the first Black woman elected governor in the United States.

The Democrat defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson in Tuesday’s November 3 election, according to the Associated Press. Keisha also becomes Georgia’s first female governor. Her victory returns the state’s governor’s office to Democratic control for the first time since 1998.

At 56, Keisha will succeed Republican Governor Brian Kemp. She becomes the first Democrat elected to the position since former Governor Roy Barnes won in 1998.

The election attracted national attention. Jackson reportedly spent more than $200 million of his personal fortune on his campaign. However, Keisha secured the victory and ended more than two decades of Republican control of the governor’s office.

Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Political Career

Before entering the governor’s race, Keisha built her political career in Atlanta. She served on the Atlanta City Council from 2010 to 2017.

In 2017, she won the mayoral election. Keisha served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022. During that period, she led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic and public protests following George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

Keisha gained national attention during the protests. Demonstrations in Atlanta turned violent, prompting her to condemn the destruction. At a press conference, she urged people involved in looting to return home.

She also criticised then-President Donald Trump’s comments about the demonstrations. During a CNN appearance, Keisha said his remarks were making an already difficult situation worse.

Her time as mayor also brought criticism. She faced scrutiny over tensions with the Atlanta Police Department and concerns about crime in the city.

After deciding not to seek another term, Keisha joined former President Joe Biden’s administration in 2022. She served as a senior adviser to the president for public engagement. She left the White House in February 2023.

Keisha Focused on Cost of Living

During her campaign for governor, Keisha focused on issues affecting working families across Georgia.

Her proposals included lowering housing and healthcare costs. She also called for increased school funding and support for farmers. Reducing everyday expenses, including driving costs, was another campaign priority.

Keisha’s election marks a significant moment in American political history. She becomes the first Black woman elected to lead a U.S. state.

She will now prepare to take office as Georgia’s next governor. Her victory also marks a major change in the state’s political leadership.