Keisha Lance Bottoms to Prioritize Housing and Healthcare in Georgia
The governor-elect describes a chaotic election night, credits her children for connecting with young voters, and outlines plans for a statewide housing trust fund.
By John Ferrari ·
Keisha Lance Bottoms was so focused on drafting her victory speech that she did not hear the news of her election win as it broke. While listening to gospel music on her AirPods, she was unaware that the race had been decided until her husband intervened. He threw a pillow at her to get her attention and announced that the results were in.
"I said, called what? He said, they called the race. I said, what race?" Bottoms recalled during an interview with Rickey Smiley, Gary and Special K. Her son Langston then entered the room to confirm the outcome. Bottoms stated that she had anticipated a longer election night and was still working on her remarks when her family informed her of the victory.
The governor-elect discussed how her family of 32 years has supported her political journey. She noted that her children helped her understand the concerns of younger voters. By listening to their perspectives, Bottoms learned to speak less and listen more. She believes this approach helped her campaign engage with voters aged 18 to 24.
Even on election day, Bottoms said her role as a mother remained a priority. Her children required her assistance with ironing pants and scheduling a car service appointment. She credited this balance with keeping her grounded during the campaign.
Bottoms identified housing affordability, healthcare costs, and the general cost of living as her top priorities for the state. She plans to expand and fully fund a statewide affordable housing trust fund. This program is modeled after a trust fund established during her tenure as Atlanta mayor. The fund would provide rental assistance, down payment assistance, and support for affordable housing development.
"When people are struggling, people need to be housed, and they need to be housed with dignity," she said.
The incoming governor also addressed her relationship with outgoing Governor Brian Kemp. Bottoms described their personal relationship as pleasant despite political differences. She welcomed Kemp's decision not to call a special legislative session to redraw political districts or limit the powers of the incoming administration.
In a personal reflection, Bottoms shared an emotional experience from the day before the election. She visited her childhood church and discovered the grave of her great-great-grandmother, Betsy Peek. Born in 1845, before the end of slavery, Peek represented the generations who preceded her. "It was like she was speaking to me saying, baby, you, you’re standing on some steel shoulders made of steel. You got this," Bottoms shared.
Bottoms also honored her late father, Major Lance, a Grammy-nominated singer. She said his example taught her the value of humility, kindness, and giving others opportunities. In a lighter segment of the interview, Bottoms mentioned enjoying the television shows Real Housewives and Married to Medicine. She also noted that she makes macaroni and cheese and maintains her faith.
As she prepares to take office, Bottoms expressed pride in the voters who supported her. "Georgia understood the assignment," she said. She stated that the excitement of election night must now translate into work for the state.
