Former President Joe Biden is throwing his weight behind a key figure in the 2024 election cycle. His endorsement of former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in her campaign for Governor of Georgia is seen as a crucial boost to her chances of winning the state’s top seat. This marks Biden’s first endorsement since leaving office last year.
Bottoms, a former senior advisor to Biden during his presidency, is hoping to capitalize on her connection to the former president to propel her bid for governor. Biden’s endorsement highlights his ongoing influence in Democratic politics and is expected to bring in significant campaign contributions from supporters of the former president.
A former mayor of Atlanta, Bottoms served in that capacity from 2018 until 2022 when she stepped down after deciding not to seek re-election. Her tenure as mayor was marked by several notable initiatives aimed at reforming public safety and improving the city’s economic prospects.
In making the endorsement, Biden cited Bottoms’ commitment to public service and her experience as a leader in Georgia’s largest city as key factors in his decision to support her bid for governor. “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Keisha during my time in office, and I know firsthand her dedication to serving the people of Georgia,” Biden said in a statement.
This endorsement marks a significant development in the Georgia gubernatorial campaign, where several other candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination. Bottoms faces stiff competition from several high-profile opponents, including U.S. Representative Nikema Williams and former state Senator Niko Price. However, Biden’s endorsement may prove to be a decisive factor in the campaign, given his enduring popularity among Democrats and the support he retains from key donor groups.
While Bottoms is expected to face a tough campaign in securing the Democratic nomination, Biden’s endorsement could help shift the momentum in her favor. As the general election approaches, the former president’s influence will undoubtedly play a key role in energizing party supporters and attracting campaign contributions from donors who have long backed his presidential bid.
In a statement, Bottoms expressed her gratitude for Biden’s endorsement, saying, “I am honored to have the support of President Biden, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the values and interests of the people of Georgia.”
The Georgia primary is set to take place in May, with the general election scheduled for November. The endorsement from Biden is expected to have a significant impact on Bottoms’ chances in the campaign, and it remains to be seen how her opponents will respond to the news.
