Katie Hobbs selects John Giles as running mate for Arizona reelection

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has selected former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for her reelection campaign. The move establishes a bipartisan ticket as Arizona voters prepare to elect the state’s first lieutenant governor.

Giles, a former Republican who recently changed his affiliation to independent, served as the mayor of Mesa from 2014 to 2025. His selection is viewed as an attempt to appeal to Republicans and conservative independents in a state where Republican voter registration has recently grown. Giles has been a critic of Donald Trump and previously endorsed Democratic candidates, including Kamala Harris.

The Republican ticket features U.S. Representative Andy Biggs and running mate Sine Kerr, a former state lawmaker. The Biggs campaign has already responded to the announcement by highlighting Giles’ past support for Democratic candidates.