Gov. Katie Hobbs names former Mesa mayor as running mate

YUMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KYMA) - Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) announced former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her pick for Lt. Governor.

In a post to social media Tuesday, Gov. Hobbs wrote, "Arizona deserves leaders who put our state ahead of partisan politics. That's why I'm proud to have former Mesa Mayor [John Giles] by my side as my pick for Lieutenant Governor. Together, we'll put Arizona first, deliver real results, and keep moving our state forward."

Former Mayor Giles, a former Republican, also posted to social media saying, "What an honor to join this historic ticket! Arizona, let's get to work."

Giles was one of the names on the governor's short list of running mates, which includes two people with ties to Yuma County: Arizona Democratic Party chair Charlene Fernandez and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who was born in Somerton.

Last month, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who is Hobbs' opponent in the Arizona gubernatorial election, named former State Sen. Sine Kerr (R-District 25) as his running mate.

In response to the announcement, Rep. Biggs issued a statement saying in part, "As Kamala Harris' favorite Arizona mayor, Giles is aligned with Hobbs on all the issues that have hurt Arizonans the most over the past four years. From being 'impressed' with the Biden Border Policy to supporting the out of control federal COVID spending, which led to record inflation, to voting in favor of an ordinance to allow men in women's bathrooms in Mesa, Giles has been an aspiring Democrat since he first voted for Joe Biden in 2020."

Kerr also responded to the announcement, in a post to social media, saying, "Looking forward to the Lt. Governor's Debate on October 5 with Democrat primary voter John Giles. We should discuss my Arizona Women's Bill of Rights legislation and SB1583, which protected children from predators. Katie Hobbs vetoed both. Maybe John Giles can explain why."

The 2026 general election will be the first time voters can choose a Lt. Governor for Arizona after Prop 131 was passed, with 55% of Arizona voters supporting the measure back in 2022, according to AZ Clean Elections.

AZ Clean Elections also said the Lt. Governor will replace the Secretary of State as the successor to the governor if the governor "dies, resigns, is removed from office or is permanently unable to carry out the duties of the Governor and serves until a successor is elected."

The general election is taking place Tuesday, November 4.