FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

February 11, 2026

CONTACT: press@keishaforgovernor.com

During the two-day swing Bottoms held five events across three localities to talk with Georgians about her vision for the state

ATLANTA, GA — This past weekend, Democratic candidate for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms met with Georgians in Milledgeville, Augusta, and Sparta. 

During the two-day swing, Bottoms talked to Georgians about her vision for the state, discussed the issues that matter most to them, toured local businesses, and talked to local and elected leaders about the challenges and opportunities in their communities.

“At the end of the day, whether it's Middle Georgia, Coastal Georgia, Metro Atlanta, north Georgia — we all want the same things. We want thriving schools, we want great-paying jobs, we want safe communities, we want access to healthcare, and that transcends geography and party lines,” said Bottoms. “As governor, I’m going to be focused on lowering costs, supporting our small businesses and communities across Georgia, and addressing what I’m hearing from Georgians.”

MILLEDGEVILLE

Bottoms’ first stop on the two-day swing was in Milledgeville where she met with Milledgeville Mayor Pro-Tem Denese Shinholster and local leaders before touring local businesses, including My Favorite Sweet Tea and Jones Barber and Styling, where she talked to the business owners about the challenges and opportunities they’re facing. 

Bottoms also toured Georgia Military College to hear more about their work preparing the next generation of Georgia’s leaders before ending the tour at the closed Central State Hospital campus where she talked to Central State Hospital Redevelopment leaders about how Georgia can expand access to the health care services Georgians need and attract development to grow Georgia’s economy and create opportunities for Georgia’s next generation.

While in Milledgeville, Bottoms also held a meet and greet with Milledgeville community members where she discussed her plans for Georgia as governor and listened to the issues residents are facing.

AUGUSTA

Bottoms started her Saturday by holding a meet and greet with Augusta residents where she heard about the challenges and opportunities in the area.

Bottoms then stopped by a local salon to talk to Georgians about her plans to support small businesses, lower costs, and create opportunity for Georgians in every community.

SPARTA

Bottoms ended her Saturday by holding a meet and greet in Sparta where she discussed the issues facing rural communities, including hospital closures, attracting talented workers, and education investments. Bottoms also highlighted her plans to address the issues as governor.

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