Biden Endorses Bottoms for Georgia Governor Race

Former President Joe Biden endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial race, delivering the message in a video on Friday. The endorsement marks Biden's first public backing of a candidate since leaving office in 2025 and provides a prominent boost to Bottoms in a competitive primary set for May 19.

In the one-minute video, Biden praised Bottoms, a longtime ally who served as director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in his administration. "I've known her for a long time, and she's something special," Biden said. He highlighted her tenure as Atlanta's mayor from 2018 to 2022, adding, "Those same qualities that made her a great mayor made her invaluable to our administration: smart, focused, and gets things done." Biden described her leadership during challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and public safety issues as "steady and thoughtful," concluding, "Georgia, she's ready. She's been ready."

Bottoms launched her campaign in May 2025, emphasizing her experience across government branches as Atlanta's first mayor to serve as a judge, city council member, and executive. A Florida A&M...