Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs of Arizona plans to name former Mesa Mayor John Giles, a Republican, as her lieutenant governor running mate, marking a bipartisan play in her reelection bid. Giles, who served as mayor of the Phoenix suburb for 10 years before leaving office in 2025, is a lifelong Republican known for his moderate views and willingness to cross party lines.
The move comes as Arizona holds its first-ever election for lieutenant governor in 2026, a position created by voters through Proposition 131 in 2022. Previously, the secretary of state served as first in the line of succession; now, the lieutenant governor will assume that role if the governor leaves office.
Giles has a track record of breaking from his party on high-profile endorsements. In 2024, he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for president, urging fellow Arizona Republicans to support her. He announced his endorsement of Hobbs in June 2026, citing her bipartisan leadership as the reason for his support. In a statement released by Hobbs’ campaign, Giles framed his decision as putting “Arizona over party.”
The gubernatorial nominee must choose a running mate by September 4, 60 days before the general election on November 3. Hobbs’ Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, selected former state legislator Sine Kerr as his running mate on July 31. Biggs won the Republican primary with 73.6% of the vote, while Hobbs secured the Democratic nomination unopposed.
Hobbs faced a shortlist of potential running mates, including Jimmy McCain, the son of the late U.S. Senator John McCain, both of whom reportedly declined the offer. By selecting Giles, Hobbs signals an attempt to appeal to moderate and independent voters in a competitive reelection race. Political analysts have noted that the lieutenant governor selection is as much about courting swing voters as it is about filling the ticket, with both campaigns seeking to appeal to the voters who remain undecided in Arizona’s closely watched gubernatorial contest.
Sources
- The New York Times — reported Hobbs’ plan to tap Giles as her running mate and provided context on his moderate record.
- ABC15 — confirmed Hobbs’ selection of Giles as her lieutenant governor pick.
- KTAR — reported Hobbs naming Giles as her running mate in a bipartisan play.
- AZCentral — reported the Giles selection and Hobbs’ bipartisan strategy.
- Katie Hobbs’ official campaign website — provided Giles’ endorsement statement and background on his decision.
- Ballotpedia — provided information on Arizona’s lieutenant governor election and Biggs’ primary victory margin.
- Arizona Capitol Times — reported on the September 4 deadline for running mate selection.
- The Guardian — documented Giles’ 2024 endorsement of Harris and his history of crossing party lines.
- KJZZ — reported on Giles’ tenure as Mesa mayor and his involvement in state and national politics.
