ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Rick Jackson in Georgia’s governor’s race Tuesday, Nov. 3, receiving 54% of the vote.

Four years ago, Brian Kemp defeated Stacey Abrams. Kemp carried a majority of Georgia counties in 2022 with more than 53% of the vote. Several counties that shaped the 2022 election showed a different picture in 2026.

Professor: Abrams campaign laid groundwork

Autumn Cockrell-Abdullah, an assistant professor of political science at Albany State University (ASU), said Abrams’ run could be viewed as a stepping stone for Bottoms’ win.

“One of the things that did not get enough attention was the grassroots work that was done by the Abrams campaign, not simply trying to build coalitions, which they did, but actively trying to engage new voters,” Cockrell-Abdullah said. “I think of my own ASU students, and getting those voters to the polls.”

“But in doing that is not simply having a likable candidate or a hook, a message that really resonates with people, but it’s actually getting out and figuring out what are the concerns of the people,” she said.

How some counties changed the game

In metro Atlanta, Democratic support was concentrated in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and Gwinnett counties.

Houston County, a suburban county that has historically leaned red, is among the counties drawing attention. In 2022, Kemp carried Houston County with 58% of the vote. Abrams received 40%.

But this year, Bottoms narrowly won the county with 50% of the vote. Jackson received 49%.

However, in Worth County, Jackson maintained support with 70% of the vote. Bottoms received 29%.

You can find all Election Night results here.

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