Keisha Lance Bottoms has made American political history after winning Georgia’s gubernatorial election, becoming the first Black woman ever elected governor of a U.S. state.

The Democratic candidate defeated Republican businessman Rick Jackson in the November 3 election, ending more than two decades of Republican control of Georgia’s governor’s office. Her victory was projected by the Associated Press and marks a major milestone for Black women in American politics.

Bottoms, 56, previously served as the 60th mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022. During her time in office, she navigated the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice protests and several major public challenges. She later joined the administration of former President Joe Biden as a senior adviser.

Her campaign focused on issues including healthcare access, housing affordability, economic opportunities and tax relief. She also received endorsements from former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

The race saw Bottoms face Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive who reportedly spent more than $200 million of his personal fortune on his campaign. Despite the significant financial backing behind her opponent, Bottoms secured the victory and flipped the governor’s office for Democrats.

Her win also makes her the first woman to serve as governor of Georgia, adding another historic achievement to the result.

Bottoms will succeed Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is leaving office after serving two terms. She is expected to take office in January 2027.

Her victory comes alongside other historic results across the country. New Mexico elected Deb Haaland as its first Native American woman governor, while Florida elected Byron Donalds as its first Black governor.

For Bottoms, the result represents more than a political victory. It marks a historic breakthrough in a country where no Black woman had previously been elected to lead a state government.