Arizona Watcher
Insiders say Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is preparing to select former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her lieutenant governor running mate as she moves toward a re‑election bid.
Neither Hobbs nor Giles have publicly confirmed the reports. The potential pairing would place a Republican with a history of crossing party lines alongside the Democratic incumbent.
Hobbs will face Republican Rep. Andy Biggs in the November general election. Biggs has an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, increasing national attention on the race.
A 2022 ballot initiative now requires Arizona voters to choose governor and lieutenant governor on a joint ticket, making the selection of a running mate a strategic decision for campaigns.
John Giles served three terms as Mesa mayor (2014–2025) and has a record of endorsing candidates across the spectrum, including Sen. Mark Kelly and Vice President Kamala Harris; he switched to no party preference in May.
The Hobbs campaign posted a June 26, 2026 press release saying Giles had formally endorsed her. State guidance sets a Sept. 4, 2026 deadline to name running mates; Rep. Biggs announced Sine Kerr as his running mate on Aug. 3, 2026.
Insiders say Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is preparing to select former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for lieutenant governor as she seeks re-election. Neither Hobbs nor Giles has publicly confirmed the report, and the governor will face Republican nominee Rep. Andy…