Keisha Lance Bottoms to Prioritize Housing and Healthcare as Georgia Governor

Keisha Lance Bottoms will take office as Georgia's next governor with a focus on reducing the cost of living for residents. She identified housing affordability, healthcare costs, and general living expenses as her top priorities. Bottoms plans to expand and fully fund a statewide affordable housing trust fund. The program is modeled after a system she established while serving as mayor of Atlanta. The fund will provide rental assistance, down payment assistance, and support for affordable housing development.

Bottoms described her election night experience in a recent interview with Rickey Smiley, Gary, and Special K. She said she was listening to gospel music on her AirPods and working on her victory speech when the results came in. Her husband threw a pillow to get her attention. He told her the race had been called. She recalled asking, 'called what?' and then, 'what race?' Her son Langston entered the room to confirm the win. Bottoms said she had expected a longer evening and was still preparing her remarks when her family informed her of the victory.

She credited her family with helping her connect with younger voters. Bottoms said her four children helped her understand the concerns of people aged 18 to 24. She noted that listening to their perspectives taught her to talk less and pay closer attention to what young people care about. She said this approach helped her campaign resonate with that demographic. Her husband, a partner of 32 years, also played a role in keeping her grounded. Even on election day, her children required her to iron pants and schedule a car service appointment.

Bottoms discussed her relationship with outgoing Governor Brian Kemp. She said they maintain a pleasant personal relationship despite political differences. She welcomed his decision not to call a special legislative session to redraw political districts or limit the powers of the incoming governor. This move allows the new administration to begin its term without immediate legislative hurdles.

One emotional moment for Bottoms occurred the day before the election. She visited her childhood church and discovered the grave of her great-great-grandmother, Betsy Peek. Peek was born in 1845, before the end of slavery. Bottoms said finding the grave reminded her of the generations who came before her. She shared the feeling that her ancestor was telling her she was standing on strong shoulders and that she would succeed.

She also honored her late father, Major Lance, a Grammy-nominated singer. He encouraged her to aim high and never be afraid to ask for opportunities. Bottoms said his example taught her the importance of humility, kindness, and giving others a chance. In a lighter part of the interview, she mentioned enjoying the television shows Real Housewives and Married to Medicine. She also noted that she makes good macaroni and cheese.

Bottoms stated that she is proud of Georgia and the voters who made her victory historic. She said, 'Georgia understood the assignment.' She added that the excitement of election night must now turn into meaningful work for the state. She is preparing to take office with the goal of addressing the economic pressures facing many Georgians.