Arizona Governor Hobbs picks ex-GOP mayor Giles as running mate

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has chosen John Giles, a former Republican mayor of Mesa, to be her running mate for her reelection campaign. This strategic decision aims to build a bipartisan ticket and appeal to Republican and conservative independent voters in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican.

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A few months ago, I realized that it was time to give up that crusade.

Hobbs, considered one of the most vulnerable Democratic governors, faces a challenging reelection in Arizona, a former GOP stronghold where Republicans have expanded their voter registration advantage. Giles, who was a registered Republican for decades, recently changed his affiliation to independent. He has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has endorsed Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Republican nominee, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, has already selected Sine Kerr, a farmer and former state lawmaker, as his running mate. Biggs' campaign has criticized Hobbs' choice, launching a website highlighting Giles' support for Harris and his participation in the Democratic National Convention. A senior adviser for the Biggs campaign stated that Giles is aligned with Hobbs on issues that have "hurt Arizonans the most."

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is of no surprise to Arizonans who have been paying attention. As Kamala Harris' favorite Arizona mayor, Giles is aligned with Hobbs on all the issues that have hurt Arizonans the most over the past four years.

Giles, who served as Mesa's mayor from 2014 to 2025, has a record of supporting Democratic candidates and policies. He signed a proclamation promoting equal treatment for LGBTQ+ residents, a move that drew controversy in the conservative city. His selection by Hobbs signals a broader strategy to bridge partisan divides in a politically divided state.

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has been an aspiring Democrat since he first voted for Joe Biden in 2020.