Barack Obama’s 2026 campaign push lands in Georgia with Keisha Lance Bottoms endorsement

The former president is lending his voice and influence to key Democratic candidates as Election Day approaches.

Barack Obama threw his presidential weight behind Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, officially endorsing her campaign in a video PSA just weeks away from Election Day.

“I hope you’ll support my friend Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor,” said America’s first Black president, who praised her time in public office as a former judge, council member, and mayor of Atlanta.

“Keisha believes that public service is about putting you first. She’s invested in young people, delivered historic pay raises for police officers and firefighters, and balanced the budget without raising taxes,” said Obama.

The former commander-in-chief highlighted some of Bottoms’ proposed policies as governor, including lowering costs for Georgians, expanding Medicaid, strengthening rural hospitals, and giving communities the option to eliminate grocery taxes. He continued, “And as a mom of four, Keisha understands the importance of giving every child a strong start, and that’s why she’ll work to guarantee pre-K for every four-year-old.”

As Bottoms heads into a dead heat with the Republican gubernatorial nominee, billionaire Rick Jackson, President Obama said, “There is a lot at stake in this election, Georgia. Make your voice heard, and vote for Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.”

Obama’s endorsement comes as the 44th president of the United States continues to use his sizable reach and popularity to boost Democrats in this midterm election, as they seek to take control of Congress and serve as a legislative check on President Donald Trump’s policies.

Nearly a decade after leaving the White House, Obama remains the most popular figure in the Democratic Party and politics writ large. According to a CNN poll in June, 57% of Americans said they view him favorably. By comparison, 34% viewed Trump favorably, while only 30% viewed former President Joe Biden favorably.

Obama’s endorsement could go a long way in Georgia’s race for governor, particularly in Atlanta and surrounding areas, where Black voters have previously carried statewide elections for U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff.

President Obama has made other endorsements in key races this election cycle, including David Crowley, who would become Wisconsin’s first Black governor if elected; James Talarico; and Senator Ossoff, who is running for a second term. While he has not formally endorsed James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas, Obama campaigned with Talarico earlier this year.

On Saturday, Obama will campaign in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, and Jocelyn Benson, the Democratic nominee for governor. The rally will be held in Detroit, which is significant because El-Sayed, in particular, has struggled to gain support among Black voters in Michigan.

An endorsement or campaign engagement from Barack Obama is highly coveted in Democratic politics. The former president has been highly selective in the candidates he has backed.