Barack Obama has endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s heated governor’s race — and he wants Peach State voters to do the same.
The nation’s first Black president issued a video endorsement Wednesday night in support of the Democratic nominee vying to become America’s first Black woman governor.
During the 54-second clip, Obama calls on Georgia voters to support his “friend,” while touting her public service record as a former judge, Atlanta City Council member and mayor of the state’s capital city.
“She’s invested in young people, delivered historic pay raises for police officers and fire fighters, and balanced the budget without raising taxes,” Obama says in the video. “Now Keisha has a plan to lower costs, expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals, and give communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes.”
“There’s a lot at stake in this election, Georgia,” Obama continues. “Make your voice heard and vote for Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.”
Fourteen years after leaving the White House, Obama remains the most popular politician in America, according to YouGov. The level of Black voter turnout he received in 2008 has yet to be matched. His endorsement could give Bottoms a boost with Black Georgia voters.
Billionaire Republican nominee Rick Jackson, who has worked to increase his own Black voter appeal, has aligned himself closely with President Donald Trump, promising to be “his favorite governor.”
Bottoms has been battling to get her message out while being massively outspent by Jackson, who’s spent at least $108 million of his own money on TV, radio, and internet ads.
It’s unclear whether Bottoms’ Tuesday night debate performance against the healthcare entrepreneur will influence voters in the tight matchup.
Heading into the midterms, Obama is also endorsing other Democratic candidates in tight races. He announced support for Deb Haaland in the New Mexico gubernatorial race, where she’s running against Republican Gregg Hull. He’s also scheduled to campaign in support of Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed later this month.
The latest polls show Bottoms and Jackson in a statistical dead heat to succeed GOP Gov. Brian Kemp, despite projections showing Democrats poised to win control of Congress and potentially the Georgia House of Representatives.
Early voting for this year’s fall midterm elections begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, and ends Oct. 30.
Visit the secretary of state’s My Voter Page to ensure you’re registered to vote. And check out the latest coverage for details on key races, including the race for governor and U.S. Senate.
Read More:
