Pastor Jamal Bryant celebrates Keisha Lance Bottoms’ historic win: ‘We have always had to speak truth to power’

The Atlanta pastor praised Georgia’s first Black woman governor during Sunday worship and defended the Black church’s role in politics.

The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church pastor praised Bottoms’ decisive victory during Sunday worship, saying the election reflected voters’ desire for different leadership and reaffirmed the Black church’s tradition of speaking truth to power.

Bryant, who publicly supported Keisha Lance Bottoms during the 2026 midterm campaign, told congregants he was surprised by the scale of her victory. He suggested the outcome reflected a broader appetite for a different kind of political leadership, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. The service featured music and a celebration of Black women, with congregants wearing blue in recognition of the election.

Pastor Jamal Bryant also addressed criticism he has faced for bringing political discussions into church services, making clear that he does not intend to stop. He defended the role of political engagement in religious spaces by pointing to biblical figures Moses and Nehemiah, whose stories involved confronting authority and rebuilding communities. “When you look at the history of the Black church, we have always had to speak truth to power,” Bryant said.

His remarks reflect a longstanding tradition in which Black churches have served as spaces for spiritual leadership, civic organizing and political advocacy. Bottoms marked her election victory at Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she reflected on becoming Georgia’s first Black woman governor and thanked those who supported her campaign. She pledged to bring communities together and govern on behalf of all Georgians.

Her victory carries particular significance in a state where Black political participation and organizing have played an important role in shaping electoral outcomes. Jamal Bryant’s celebration at New Birth added another prominent voice from Atlanta’s faith community to the public recognition of the historic result. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church also announced plans to hold a turkey giveaway on Nov. 19, beginning at 6 a.m.