Photo credit: blackinformationnetwork (Instagram)
Former President Barack Obama is backing Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s race for governor.
Obama announced his endorsement Thursday, October 8, in a video message urging Georgia voters to support the former Atlanta mayor.
“I hope you’ll support my friend Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor,” Obama said in the video.
The endorsement comes less than a month before Election Day. It also follows the first and likely only confirmed televised debate between Bottoms and Republican nominee Rick Jackson.
Obama makes his case for Bottoms
In his endorsement, Obama highlighted Bottoms’ background in public service.
She previously served as an Atlanta City Council member, judge and mayor. Obama also pointed to her record on youth investments, police and firefighter pay raises and balancing Atlanta’s budget without raising taxes.
The former president also highlighted several proposals from Bottoms’ campaign.
Those plans include lowering costs, expanding Medicaid and strengthening rural hospitals. Bottoms has also proposed giving communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes.
Obama framed the race as an important choice for Georgia voters.
“There is a lot at stake in this election, Georgia,” he said. “Make your voice heard, and vote for Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.”
Bottoms and Jackson face off
Obama’s endorsement comes just two days after Bottoms and Jackson met for their first statewide debate.
The October 6 town hall gave undecided Georgia voters a chance to question both candidates. The discussion covered affordability, health care, education, public safety, data centers and election security.
Bottoms and Jackson also clashed over their approaches to governing Georgia.
The debate was expected to be the only confirmed head-to-head forum between the two candidates. However, both candidates were later invited to another Atlanta Press Club debate scheduled for October 12, with Bottoms confirming her participation.
A historic race in Georgia
Bottoms is seeking to make history in the Georgia governor’s race.
If elected, she would become the first Black woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state.
Former President Joe Biden also endorsed Bottoms in May. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has backed Republican nominee Rick Jackson.
Early voting in Georgia is scheduled to begin October 13, with Election Day set for November 3.
Obama’s endorsement now adds another major national voice to the closely watched Georgia governor’s race.
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Source: NAACP/Black Information Network Instagram, CBS News Atlanta, Atlanta News First, Georgia Public Broadcasting
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