On November 3, 2026, Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first Black woman elected governor of any U.S. state, defeating Republican candidate Rick Jackson in a race that reflected a broader Democratic surge across state and federal elections. The historic win was celebrated at an election‑night watch party held at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, where Bottoms thanked God for guiding her decision to run.
During a Sunday address at Ebenezer Baptist Church—the church once led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—Bottoms spoke about the spiritual foundation of her campaign. She recalled praying a year and a half before the election, hearing, “God told me to go,” and accepting the challenge of stepping out of her comfort zone. “He won’t give vision without provision,” she said, noting that her campaign faced a formidable opponent who poured more than $250 million into the race.
Despite the financial disparity, Bottoms emphasized that God supplied all the needs of her campaign. “There were days we didn’t know how the bills would be paid,” she said, but the campaign’s resources were met through divine provision. She also praised the support of Ebenezer’s senior pastor, Senator Raphael Warnock, calling him “my senator” and “my friend.”
Bottoms’ path to the governor’s office began with a decisive primary victory in May, where she secured 56.2% of the vote—over 607,000 ballots. She succeeded Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who was term‑limited and could not seek reelection. In his concession, Jackson acknowledged the voters’ decision and offered congratulations and prayers for Bottoms as she prepares to assume office.
Source: The Christian Post
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