# Keisha Lance Bottoms Challenges Racial Barriers in Georgia Governor Race

> Black woman Keisha Lance Bottoms runs for Georgia governor amid racial and political barriers.
- Title: Keisha Lance Bottoms Challenges Racial Barriers in Georgia…
- Summary: Black woman Keisha Lance Bottoms runs for Georgia governor amid racial and political barriers. Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Black woman, seeks to become Georgia's…
- Keywords: keisha lance bottoms, georgia, black women, governor race, rural georgia, political barriers, racial discrimination, georgia governor, democratic nominee, rick jackson, atlanta, black women governors
- Source: Seattletimes — https://seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/georgias-keisha-lance-bottoms-navigates-the-challenges-of-black-women-battling-political-barriers
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: keisha lance bottoms, georgia, black women, governor race, rural georgia, political barriers, racial discrimination, georgia governor, democratic nominee, rick jackson, atlanta, black women governors
## Keisha Lance Bottoms Campaign
Keisha Lance Bottoms, 56, a former Atlanta mayor and White House adviser to Joe Biden, runs for Georgia governor.

> I am at least a fifth-generation Georgian.
## Historical Context
No Black woman has ever been elected governor in any U.S. state.
## Political Challenges
Bottoms faces Republican attacks on her leadership and Atlanta's crime rates during her tenure.
## Republican Strategy
Rick Jackson, a 72-year-old Republican, funds $200 million in ads attacking Bottoms' leadership.
## Atlanta's History
Atlanta hosted the Olympics and eight World Cup soccer matches in recent years.
## 2020 Protests
Bottoms addressed 2020 protests of police violence in Atlanta during a news conference.

> If you care about this city, then go home.
## Historical Precedent
Stacey Abrams lost to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in 2018 and 2022.
## Experience Argument
Bottoms has held executive roles as City Council member, magistrate judge, and prosecutor.
## Republican Claims
Jackson claims Bottoms let Atlanta burn during protests and fires.
## Crime Statistics
Atlanta saw a crime spike during Bottoms' tenure but rates dropped after the pandemic.
## Policy Focus
Bottoms emphasizes economic struggles and expanding Medicaid eligibility for all Georgians.
## Supporter Perspective
Retired educator Beverly Rice believes Bottoms can win with values-based decisions.
## Key takeaway

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a Black woman, seeks to become Georgia's first female governor despite Republican attacks on her leadership and racial background.