Keisha Lance Bottoms becomes the first Black female governor of a U.S. state

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms has won the Georgia gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman to lead an American state. NAGO reported on her election as head of Georgia on November 4. RFI and TV5Monde agree on this result, which was achieved during the midterm elections.

A victory among other historic races

According to RFI, Americans voted on Tuesday, November 3, and the Democrats took control of Congress. Both media outlets also cite Gina Hinojosa and Abdul El-Sayed among the elected officials whose victories mark a historic moment for the country. RFI specifies that Abdul El-Sayed becomes the first Muslim senator, Gina Hinojosa is the first Hispanic governor of Texas, and Deb Haaland is the first Native American female governor, in New Mexico. According to RFI, African American voters in Atlanta are celebrating Keisha Lance Bottoms' victory.

A victory over a billionaire backed by Trump

According to TV5Monde, 56-year-old Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, prevailed over Republican Rick Jackson, a billionaire who made his fortune in healthcare. The latter had a campaign budget far larger than his opponent's. Donald Trump supported him and had campaigned for him during the final weeks. Georgia had not elected a Democratic governor since the last century. TV5Monde adds that 17 women were elected governors during this election.

A journey between Atlanta and the White House

Still according to TV5Monde, she is the daughter of soul singer Major Lance, who had performed with the Beatles and Elton John. Born and raised in Atlanta, she graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, then earned a bachelor's degree in communications and a law degree. She had been considered as a running mate for Joe Biden. She published a memoir in the spring, *The Rough Side of the Mountain*.

Later managing the protests against racism in Atlanta following the death of Rayshard Brooks, she had announced the resignation of the police chief.

Health and housing at the heart of her campaign

Her campaign focused primarily on housing and health. She pledged to reduce healthcare costs by expanding Medicaid. Her platform also plans to strengthen rural hospitals with the "Rural Care First" initiative. Barack Obama had given her his support during a rally near Atlanta last year.