Former President Joe Biden endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's 2026 governor's race on May 1, 2026, his first endorsement since leaving office 16 months earlier. The move bolsters Bottoms's front-runner status with 18 days until the May 19 primary, where she holds a polling lead of 32 to 42 percent. Biden's support signals Democratic establishment backing in a state where Republicans hold the governorship under Brian Kemp, but both U.S. Senate seats are held by Democrats Jon Ossoff (Class II, up in 2026) and Raphael Warnock (Class III, up in 2028).
Bottoms Gains Biden's First Post-White House Nod
Joe Biden posted a video endorsement on X, calling Bottoms "something special," "smart," and "focused." He closed with, "Georgia, she’s ready. She’s been ready." The Hill reported the clip, which NBC News confirmed as Biden's initial backing of any 2026 candidate.
Bottoms served as a senior advisor in Biden's White House after her tenure as Atlanta mayor ended in 2022. She launched her gubernatorial bid in May 2025, positioning herself as a bridge between urban Atlanta and suburban swing voters who flipped Georgia blue in 2020. Atlanta News First covered the announcement, noting her emphasis on public safety and economic growth.
Ballotpedia tracks no other Biden endorsements in 2026. Multiple outlets, including MSN, label this his first since January 2025. The timing, 18 days from the primary, aims to consolidate Democratic support behind Bottoms before absentee ballots dominate.
Bottoms Leads Crowded Democratic Field
Recent polls show Bottoms ahead in a fragmented primary. She draws strong backing from Black voters and Atlanta donors, key to Democratic success in Georgia.
| Candidate | Polling Average | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Keisha Lance Bottoms | 32-42% | Former Atlanta mayor, Biden advisor |
| Michael Thurmond | ~20% | State labor commissioner |
| Geoff Duncan | ~15% | Former Republican lt. governor |
| Jason Esteves | <10% | State senator |
Numbers from The Hill and Savannah Morning News. Thurmond appeals to labor unions; Duncan pitches bipartisan credentials after leaving the GOP; Esteves focuses on Latino outreach. Biden's nod pressures these rivals to drop out or split the anti-Bottoms vote.
