What was Lester Maddox's position before becoming governor of Georgia?

Lester Maddox held the position of a restaurant owner and segregationist prior to becoming the governor of Georgia. He is notably remembered for his controversial stance on racial segregation, exemplified by his ownership of the Pickrick Restaurant, where he famously refused to serve Black patrons, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time. His actions garnered significant media attention and positioned him as a strong supporter of segregationist policies, which became a central theme of his political identity. This backdrop ultimately influenced his election as governor in 1966, where he continued to uphold conservative and segregationist views.

While the other options reflect different political figures or roles, they do not accurately depict Maddox's background. He was not the mayor of Atlanta, a state senator, nor a businessman and civil rights advocate; instead, his legacy is intertwined with his restaurant ownership and the segregationist beliefs that he championed, making that choice the most accurate representation of his position before taking office as governor.