US Election 2026 Arizona Governor

Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, right, listens as her running mate for Lieutenant Governor John Giles, the former Republican Mesa, Ariz., mayor, answers a question, Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Phoenix.

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Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs chooses former Republican Mayor John Giles as her running mate

Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs chooses former Republican Mayor John Giles as her running mate

Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has selected a Republican-turned-independent as her running mate in a tough reelection campaign. The ticket with former Mesa Mayor John Giles aims to appeal to Republicans and conservative independents in a state that once was a GOP stronghold. Giles is a critic of President Donald Trump and has endorsed Democrats including Kamala Harris. Giles' selection Tuesday could attract Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints members, a key voting bloc. Many church members are ambivalent about the Republican president. The Republican governor's race nominee is far-right congressman Andy Biggs, whose running mate is former state lawmaker Sine Kerr. Arizona is electing a lieutenant governor for the first time.