Former President Joe Biden on Friday endorsed Keisha Lance Bottoms for governor of Georgia, marking his first political endorsement since leaving the White House last year.

Biden expressed his support for the former Atlanta mayor in a video statement, saying he has known Bottoms for an extended period. "I've known her for a long time, and she's something special," Biden said in the endorsement video.

Bottoms, who served as mayor of Atlanta, also worked as a senior adviser in the Biden administration during his presidency. Her gubernatorial campaign represents a significant political effort in Georgia, a key battleground state that has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles.

The endorsement signals Biden's return to active political engagement following his departure from office. As a former president, his backing carries significant weight within Democratic Party circles and could provide substantial support for Bottoms' campaign.

Georgia's gubernatorial race is expected to draw national attention, given the state's pivotal role in recent presidential elections and ongoing political significance in determining party control at the state level.