Ex-Biden official wins Georgia Dem primary for governor in bid to end party’s losing streak

Ex-Biden official wins Georgia Dem primary for governor in bid to end party's losing streak

More than a million ballots were cast in early voting, with Democrats enjoying a sizeable turnout advantage over Republicans

close Video

Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for GA governor touts president's approval: 'He's a very big supporter of mine’

In Georgia’s combustible Republican primary for governor, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, in a Fox News Digital interview, argues he’s "running against very dishonest people."

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who also served in the Biden administration, has captured the Democratic nomination for governor in the key southeastern battleground of Georgia.

Bottoms won a majority of the vote in Tuesday's primary, the Associated Press reports, in a large field of candidates that also included former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a Republican-turned-Democrat; former state Sen. Jason Esteves; state Rep. Derrick Jackson; and former state labor commissioner and former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond.

Democrats are aiming to break their losing streak in Georgia, where it's been nearly three decades since the party has won a gubernatorial election. You have to go all the way back to former Gov. Roy Barnes' 1998 victory. Since then Republicans have been on a winning streak, with former Govs. Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal, and Brian Kemp, all winning election and re-election.

DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, walks with her son Langston Bottoms, right, to vote early in the Georgia Primary Election, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Atlanta (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)

Bottoms was the frontrunner during the primary campaign, and faced plenty of attacks from her rivals over her single term as Atlanta mayor, which garnered harsh reviews. She was elected in 2018 but declined to seek re-election in 2022 and instead later served as senior advisor and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement in then-President Joe Biden's administration.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The former mayor's rivals argued that Bottoms' vulnerabilities could hurt the Democrats as they work to win back the governor's office in Atlanta, during a midterm election cycle where the party is energized and Republicans are facing traditional political headwinds and a rough climate.

That energy was witnessed the surge in turnout in early voting in Georgia. More than a million ballots were cast ahead of Election Day, with Democrats enjoying a sizable turnout advantage over Republicans.

Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in the swing state of New Hampshire. He covers the campaign trail from coast to coast."

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation