Atlanta, Nov 04 (V7N)- Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms has made history by becoming the first Black woman elected as a governor in the United States. She defeated Republican candidate Rick Jackson in Georgia's gubernatorial election held on Tuesday (November 3), according to CBS News.
With this victory, Bottoms has become the first woman and the first Black person to be elected governor of Georgia. Her win also marks the return of the state's governorship to Democratic control for the first time in more than two decades.
Bottoms previously served as the mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022. She later joined the administration of former President Joe Biden as a senior adviser.
During her election campaign, Bottoms focused on improving access to healthcare, reducing the cost of living and making housing more affordable. She also pledged to introduce income tax relief for teachers.
Her Republican rival, Rick Jackson, is a billionaire healthcare executive who centred his campaign on economic development, business expansion and supporting small businesses.
The election took place as outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp was constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.
Georgia's governorship had remained under Republican control since 2002. Bottoms' victory therefore marks a significant political shift in the southern US state and a historic milestone for women's and Black political representation in American politics.
