Bottoms joins state Sen. Jason Esteves of Atlanta in the 2026 gubernatorial race on the Democratic side. Multiple news outlets have reported that former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams of Atlanta, a two-time Democratic nominee for governor, also is considering mounting a third bid for the state's highest office.

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms filed papers Monday to raise money for a 2026 run for Georgia governor. Bottoms, a Democrat who broke Atlanta tradition by not seeking an expected second term as mayor,

Former Atlanta Mayor and White House adviser Keisha Lance Bottoms has confirmed she is launching a campaign for Georgia governor in 2026.