Ga. Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms: ‘God told me to’ run for governor, 'supplied all of our needs'
Quick Summary
Democratic Georgia Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms told a historic African American megachurch that “God told me to” run for governor and was with her “on the campaign trail.”
The first black woman to be elected governor of any state, Bottoms won the race last week as part of a broader wave of Democratic victories at the state and federal levels.
During a speech Sunday at Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, a historic black church once led by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Bottoms discussed her successful campaign.
She said that about a year and a half ago, “I had prayed” about whether to run for governor and that “God told me to go,” even though it meant “moving me out of my comfort zone.”
“He won't give vision without provision,” Bottoms said. “I didn't know that provision would be up against a billionaire. But as we moved around this state and with every face that I saw and every story that I heard, I was reminded that the same God that told me to go was the same One Who was with us on this campaign trail.”
“And there were days we didn't know how the bills would be paid. … The Goliath that I went up against put over $250 million into this race. But can I tell you that our God supplied all of our needs.”
Bottoms commended Ebenezer Baptist Church Senior Pastor Raphael Warnock, who also represents Georgia in the U.S. Senate, whom she described as “my senator” and “my friend.”
“A friend in need is a friend indeed,” she continued. “I am so grateful for you. I believe the last time I was here was before the primary, when everybody wouldn't be with me in public. But as always, you have stood by my side, and I am grateful for you.”
The former mayor of Atlanta, Bottoms won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in May, receiving over 607,000 votes, which constituted 56.2% of all ballots cast.
Last week, she defeated businessman Rick Jackson to be elected governor, succeeding Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who could not run for reelection due to a state term limit.
In his concession speech, Jackson remarked that “the voters spoke and I respect their decision,” adding that “Keisha Lance Bottoms deserves our congratulations and our prayers as she prepares to take office.”
