Arizona Governor Hobbs Taps Former Republican Mayor Giles as Running Mate

Salt Lake City, UT, August 5, 2026 —

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is reportedly poised to select former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles as her lieutenant governor candidate for the upcoming general election. This strategic selection is anticipated to create a notable political contest within the state, pitting two candidates with ties to Brigham Young University (BYU) against each other.

The Republican nominee, Andy Biggs, is also an alumnus of BYU and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Giles, who has described himself as a “lifelong Republican” but recently changed his party affiliation to no party preference, is viewed by some political observers as a calculated choice to attract moderate Republican and independent voters, particularly in the East Valley region. This area is considered vital for Governor Hobbs’s prospects of securing re-election.

Biggs, who previously chaired the House Freedom Caucus, has named Sine Kerr as his running mate. The developing political landscape in Arizona underscores a significant dynamic, with both leading candidates sharing connections to BYU and the Latter-day Saint community. The choice of Giles by Hobbs signals an effort to bridge partisan divides and potentially broaden the Democratic ticket’s appeal in key electoral areas.

Story summarized from the original created by Brigham Tomco on www.deseret.com, see more information here.