Obama Endorses Bottoms in Close Georgia Governor Race

Former President Barack Obama endorsed Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia governor in a video released this week, praising her record and urging voters to support her in the November 3 election. The endorsement adds a prominent national figure to Bottoms’ campaign as she faces Republican Rick Jackson in a closely contested race, though its effect on voter support is not established. Obama cited Bottoms’ service as a judge, council member and Atlanta mayor, including pay raises for police officers and firefighters, balanced budgets without tax increases, and investments in young people. He also highlighted her proposals to lower costs, expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and work toward universal prekindergarten for four-year-olds. Bottoms has said she would expand Medicaid and give communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes. Jackson has opposed a statewide pause on new data-center construction, arguing that decisions should be made locally. Bottoms called for a statewide pause during an October 6 debate in Doraville, while Jackson rejected a blanket moratorium. The candidates also addressed their relationship to President Donald Trump.