Bottoms Lays Out Vision to Stand up for Georgians Against Chaos in Washington, Announces Endorsements of Key DeKalb Leaders
Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta and candidate for governor, launched her “Standing Up for Georgia” tour today in Clarkston, meeting with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) workers impacted by Donald Trump’s executive order firing thousands of federal employees. Bottoms talked with workers about the challenges they’re facing due to chaos in Washington, and laid out her vision for standing up for Georgians and working to create jobs and lower costs.
While in Clarkston, Bottoms announced the endorsements of key DeKalb County elected officials: former State Senator Nadine Thomas, former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis, and Decatur School Board Member Jana Johnson‑Davis.
This event marked the first stop of Bottoms’ “Standing Up for Georgia” tour, where Bottoms will travel the state, listen to what matters most to Georgians, and discuss her plans as governor to stand up for Georgians against the chaos in Washington and to make Georgia more affordable. Bottoms will continue the tour throughout the summer and fall, visiting Georgia communities to share her vision and to hear from Georgians across the state.
“The CDC isn’t just a federal agency—it’s part of the fabric of Georgia. What happens there affects thousands of families, directly and indirectly,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “These layoffs send a message that science and service are disposable—and I reject that. Our current Republican state elected leaders have been cheering on Donald Trump’s reckless federal cuts. And, while 20 other states have sued the federal government to stop cuts at the CDC and other agencies, Georgia’s current leaders have remained silent. While our current leaders refuse to stand up to Donald Trump, I’m going to always put Georgians first. That means using my voice – and my ability to file lawsuits against bad policies from Washington. We can’t build a stronger Georgia if we leave behind those who kept us safe during the hardest times.”
Burrell Ellis, Former DeKalb County CEO, Former Professor of Keisha Lance Bottoms
“From the day Keisha Lance Bottoms walked into my law school classroom at Georgia State University, I could see she carried the rare blend of intellect, integrity and determination that marks a true public servant. I’ve watched her turn those qualities into real results—keeping communities safe, expanding opportunity, and leading with empathy through crisis. At a time when Georgia needs steady, principled leadership more than ever, Keisha is the governor who will put people first and move our state forward. I’m proud to stand with her and urge all Georgians to do the same.” –
