By Basant El-Faramawy
Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms expressed confidence in her gubernatorial bid in Georgia, despite facing a significant financial disadvantage against Republican opponent Rick Jackson. With less than two weeks remaining until Election Day, Bottoms noted that while Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, has invested over $100 million of his own money into the campaign, the race remains statistically tied.
Polls show neck-and-neck competition
A recent poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates a very close contest. Jackson holds 46% support among likely voters, while Bottoms follows closely with 45%. If successful, Bottoms would make history as the first Black woman governor in the United States, as well as the first woman and the first Black governor in Georgia's history.
Campaign platforms and economic plans
Bottoms has centered much of her platform on affordability and economic relief. Her proposals include suspending taxes on essential items such as diapers and feminine hygiene products, establishing an affordable housing trust fund, and implementing a grocery tax relief plan that would allow local governments to end or suspend such taxes. Additionally, she pledged to oppose federal immigration policies and cuts to agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and the CDC.
Political opposition and past criticism
The Republican campaign has focused on Bottoms' tenure as the former Mayor of Atlanta. Rick Jackson has criticized her leadership, specifically regarding her handling of crime and the COVID-19 pandemic. Bottoms defended her record, attributing crime increases to the pandemic and the state's reopening decisions. She also addressed her decision not to seek reelection as mayor in 2021, describing it as a personal choice driven by family needs and health considerations rather than quitting her responsibilities.
