Former President Joe Biden is stepping back into the political spotlight — and this time, he’s directly inserting himself into a high-stakes battle that could shape the future of President Donald Trump’s second term.
In his first major endorsement of the 2026 midterm cycle, Biden announced support for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s closely watched governor’s race — a move that signals Democrats are preparing for an aggressive fight in one of America’s most important battleground states.
Biden Backs Familiar Ally in Key Swing State
Bottoms, a longtime Biden ally, previously served as mayor of Atlanta before joining his administration as a senior adviser. Now, she’s attempting a political comeback — with Biden’s full backing.
In a campaign-style video, Biden praised her leadership, pointing to her handling of major crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, cyberattacks on city systems, and economic uncertainty.
He described her as “ready” and “proven,” signaling confidence in her ability to lead Georgia at a time when the state remains politically divided.
Democrat Primary Still Far From Decided
Despite the endorsement, Bottoms has not locked down the race.
Recent polling shows her leading the Democratic field with around 32% support — well short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. That means this contest could drag on, exposing divisions within the Democratic Party.
Her opponents include:
- Michael Thurmond, former state Labor Commissioner
- Geoff Duncan, a former Republican who broke with Trump
- Jason Esteves, a former state senator
All remain within striking distance if the race tightens.
Trump-Backed Candidate Fuels GOP Momentum
On the Republican side, the stakes are just as high.
Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — backed by President Donald Trump — is locked in a tight battle with businessman Rick Jackson. Polls suggest the GOP primary could go down to the wire, setting up a fierce general election showdown.
Trump’s influence in the race highlights how central Georgia remains to the broader national political landscape heading into 2026.
Biden Resurfaces With Renewed Attacks on Trump
Biden’s endorsement isn’t happening in a vacuum.
Since leaving office in January 2025, he has steadily re-emerged in public life — often using speeches to criticize President Trump and warn about the direction of the country.
In a recent appearance, Biden took aim at Trump’s messaging and leadership style, drawing sharp reactions from audiences. He also described the current moment as a troubling time for America, urging Democrats to stay engaged politically.
Both Parties Face Challenges Heading Into 2026
As the midterm elections approach, neither party enters the fight without baggage.
Biden exited the White House with approval ratings in the mid-30s, weighed down by concerns over leadership and policy direction.
At the same time, President Trump has faced his own political pressures, including voter frustration over rising energy costs and uncertainty tied to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Why This Race Could Decide More Than Georgia
Georgia is no longer just another state — it’s a political battleground that could determine the balance of power in Washington.
Biden’s decision to jump into this race early signals that Democrats see it as critical. Meanwhile, Trump-backed Republicans are looking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and reclaim momentum.
With both sides mobilizing, this governor’s race is shaping up to be one of the most important contests of the 2026 midterm elections.
Bottom Line
Biden’s endorsement of Keisha Lance Bottoms is more than a routine political move — it’s a clear sign that the battle for 2026 is already underway.
And with President Trump’s allies fighting just as hard on the other side, Georgia voters may once again find themselves at the center of America’s political future.