Arizona's Hobbs Taps Republican John Giles for New No. 2 Role in 2026 Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Arizona's Hobbs Taps Republican John Giles for New No. 2 Role in 2026 Race
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Summary
John Giles, the former Republican mayor of Mesa, is set to join Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs’s ticket as her lieutenant governor nominee, according to two people familiar with the decision.
The pick aims to reinforce a bipartisan message as Hobbs, seen as vulnerable in her re-election bid, prepares to face Trump-backed Republican Representative Andy Biggs.
Moderate Republicans and independents helped Hobbs win narrowly 4 years ago, and her campaign appears to be betting that cross-party appeal can matter again in 2026.
Arizona voters will elect a lieutenant governor on the same ticket as governor for the first time this November, after a 2022 ballot measure created the post.