Full Breakdown
Katie Hobbs Picks Former Republican Mayor John Giles as Lieutenant-Governor Running Mate
8/12/2026, 12:48:57 AM
The Ticket Announcement
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced former Mesa mayor John Giles as her lieutenant-governor running mate for the November 2026 election, creating a bipartisan ticket as the state prepares to fill the newly created office.
Background & Context
Voters approved the lieutenant-governor position in 2022, joining a handful of states that previously lacked the role. The office will begin in January 2027, clarifying the line of succession after several governors assumed office through succession. Hobbs, a Democrat, faces Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, who chaired the House Freedom Caucus. Arizona voted for former President Donald Trump by roughly six points in 2024, underscoring its battleground status.
Timeline
- May 17 – John Giles switched his registration from Republican to independent and voted in the Democratic primary.
- July 31 – Rep. Andy Biggs announced state Sen. Sine Kerr as his lieutenant-governor pick.
- Early August – Gov. Hobbs confirmed Giles as her running mate in a joint video announcement.
Data & Statistics
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes up about 6 percent of Arizona’s population; both Hobbs and Biggs share this affiliation.
- Giles led Mesa, the state’s third-largest city, from 2014 to 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Hobbs framed the ticket as a response to partisan gridlock, citing her record on tax cuts, border security, and public safety. Giles said his shift from the Republican Party was a rejection of “extremists” that hinder effective governance and noted past endorsements of Democratic candidates, including Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024.
The Biggs campaign called the selection unsurprising to informed Arizonans but labeled it “botched” and indicative of “Hobbs’ chaos.” Adviser Drew Sexton said the ticket aims to attract moderate voters while warning it could alienate the Democratic base.
Criticism & Opposition
Biggs’ team argued that Hobbs’ choice of a former Republican could dilute progressive priorities, suggesting the bipartisan image may not translate into support among left-leaning voters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “At a time when too many politicians are focused on partisan politics, Arizona deserves a lieutenant governor who shares my commitment to putting Arizona first and delivering real results,” — Gov. Katie Hobbs
- “I was a lifelong Republican before becoming an Independent because extremists shouldn’t stand in the way of getting things done,” — John Giles
What’s Next
Arizona voters will cast ballots for governor and lieutenant governor on a joint ticket in November 2026. The race is rated “lean Democratic” by the Cook Political Report, though Hobbs’ narrow 2022 win and the state’s recent support for Trump suggest a close contest. Both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach to independent and moderate voters as the election approaches.
