ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Former President Barack Obama has endorsed Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms for Georgia governor.

In a video released Thursday, Obama cited Bottoms’ former roles as Atlanta mayor, an Atlanta city councilmember and a judge. He also hit on some of Bottoms’ main campaign points, including her plans to lower costs, expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals and relieve grocery taxes.

Watch the video:

“There is a lot at stake in this election, Georgia,” he said. “Make your voice heard, and vote for Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor.”

The endorsement comes two days after Atlanta News First hosted what is expected to be the only live debate between Bottoms and Republican nominee Rick Jackson. During the event, undecided voters got the chance to ask the candidates their most pressing questions directly.

In May, former President Joe Biden also endorsed Bottoms. She served his administration as senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Meanwhile, Jackson has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and current Gov. Brian Kemp.

Polls show Bottoms and Jackson neck-and-neck, with undecided voters likely to tip the scales in either direction. Early voting starts on Oct. 13 and runs through Oct. 30, while Election Day is Nov. 3.

>> WATCH THE FULL DEBATE

On Thursday, Atlanta News First will host another debate between Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Mike Collins. Ossoff is looking to defend his Senate seat, while Collins wants to flip it.

Ossoff and Collins will answer questions from a panel of Gray Media journalists.

The Senate debate will air live on Atlanta News First and on Gray Media stations across Georgia. Pre-debate coverage starts at 6:30 p.m., while the debate itself starts at 7 p.m. You can watch it on WANF (channel 46) in metro Atlanta and north Georgia; WTOC in Savannah; WPGA in Macon; WRDW in Augusta; WALB in Albany; and WTVM in Columbus.

Atlanta News First and Atlanta News First+ provide you with the latest news, headlines and insights as Georgia continues its role at the forefront of the nation’s political scene. Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest political news and information.

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