Keisha Lance Bottoms celebrated with her family after making history as the first Black woman elected governor in the United States.
The former Atlanta mayor defeated Republican Rick Jackson in Georgia’s November 3 election, becoming Georgia’s first female governor and the first Democrat to win the state’s governor’s race since 1998.
Before Bottoms delivered her victory speech in Atlanta, her daughter Lincoln introduced her to supporters.
“First I want to say how proud i am of my mom. I’ve watched her work hard, face challenges, and continue to believe in the people of Georgia and what we can do together. Tonight, Georgia made its choice. And I couldn’t be happier for her. But beyond the governor that she’ll be, she’s my mom. And that’s what makes this moment so special for me,” she said.
Lincoln also thanked her mom for making time for her amid the demands of the campaign.
“Mom, I love you. I’m proud of you. And I’m especially grateful that even with everything on your plate, you still make time to do TikTok dances with me. Those moments mean so much to me, and they remind me that no matter how important your work is, you’ll always be my mom first. I can’t wait to see what you do for this state. Congratulations, Mom,” she continued.
Bottoms recognized her husband, Derek, during her own remarks before addressing their four children.
“To Derek, you are my rock and the love of my life, and I am grateful to be your wife.”
“Lance, Langston, Lennox and Lincoln, the highest honor I will ever have is to be your mother.”
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The governor-elect also recalled visiting the grave of her great-great-grandmother, who was born in 1845, and acknowledged the strength of the ancestors whose lives preceded her own opportunity to lead the state.
“I don’t know what dreams Betsy Peek had for her children or for her grandchildren, or the generations that she would never meet. But I know I am standing on shoulders made of steel,” she said.
Bottoms and Derek are parents to Lance, 24, Langston, 18, and 16-year-old twins Lennox and Lincoln. All four kids were adopted following the couple’s years of infertility struggles, which Bottoms discussed with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this year.
