Joe Biden’s political legacy received a boost as several former administration officials secured prominent victories, led by Keisha Lance Bottoms’ win in the race for governor of Georgia.
Ms Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, served as Mr Biden’s senior adviser and director of the Office of Public Engagement. Her victory was among a series of results that former Biden staffers said could help restore his standing within a Democratic Party that largely turned away from him in 2024.
“It’s proof that President Biden assembled a talented team of public servants — who the public is calling on now to help turn this country around,” said Ron Klain, Mr Biden’s former chief of staff.
He added: “These fantastic men and women will make life more affordable, health care more available, protect our rights, fight corruption, and make our country stronger.”
Mr Biden was not a regular presence on the campaign trail and most Democrats kept their distance from the former president. He did, however, intervene in several primaries, helping loyal former aides secure their places before voters.
Biden administration alumni win congressional races
Gabe Amo, who won a special election in a Democratic-held Rhode Island seat in 2023, secured his first full term in Congress.
Dan Koh also won a Massachusetts congressional district, succeeding Representative Seth Moulton. Mr Koh previously served as Mr Biden’s deputy Cabinet secretary and deputy director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
He made Mr Biden’s endorsement a central part of his campaign and reposted a video of a phone call he and his family held with Joe and Jill Biden on the night of the September primary.
“Mr. President and Madame first lady, thank you so much for all of your support,” Mr Koh told them. “It wouldn’t have been possible without both of you. … You changed my life by giving me a job of a lifetime. And you got my back the minute I decided to run.”
Former members of Mr Biden’s Cabinet also performed strongly in governor races. Xavier Becerra, who served as Mr Biden’s secretary of Health and Human Services, held a solid polling lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the contest to become California’s governor going into Tuesday.
Deb Haaland, Mr Biden’s former interior secretary, was projected to win the New Mexico governor race.
Andrew Bates, the former president’s longtime spokesperson, said the results reflected Mr Biden’s call for his supporters to continue defending his political values.
“In his farewell speech, President Biden warned that ‘an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy,’” Mr Bates said.
“He urged his team and supporters to keep standing up for the values that we all care about, including decency, hard work, and a sense of national community. On the ballot and off, a whole lot of his alumni are fighting to carry on that legacy.”
