Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic governor primary, CBS News projects
Former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has secured enough support to avoid a runoff in Georgia's closely watched Democratic primary for governor, CBS News projects
Updated on: May 19, 2026 / 10:34 PM EDT / CBS Atlanta
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has avoided a runoff and will be the Democratic nominee for Georgia governor, CBS News projects.
Bottoms, who previously served as mayor of Atlanta and later as a senior adviser in the Biden administration, is projected to receive more than 50% of the vote, securing her the nomination.
The former mayor, the only Black woman running in the race, focused her campaign heavily on voting rights, healthcare access, economic equity and defending Democratic gains in Georgia following years of intense political competition in the battleground state.
She came into the race as the favorite with strong name recognition and the support of former President Biden, who announced his endorsement earlier in May.
"Who I am is a battle-tested leader, and what I've been saying to people across the state is, I know what it's like to go into battle," she said. "I know what it's like to go up against Donald Trump. I know what it's like not to back down against Donald Trump."