Arizona Governor Hobbs Chooses Independent for Reelection Bid Amidst Political Shifts
In a strategic move reflecting her bipartisan approach, Governor Katie Hobbs has reportedly selected former Mesa Mayor John Giles, a Republican-turned-independent, as her running mate for reelection. The New York Times reported this decision ahead of the Secretary of State’s Office deadline, though Hobbs’ campaign has refrained from officially confirming the choice.
Michael Beyer, Hobbs’ campaign spokesman, maintained a neutral stance on the matter, stating, “We have been consistently declining to comment on the process.” Despite the lack of official confirmation, Giles’ potential candidacy aligns with Hobbs’ emphasis on bipartisan collaboration, a key theme in her campaign.
Hobbs recently introduced the Arizona Over Party coalition, which includes over 50 Republicans and independents. This initiative sets her apart from her opponent, Congressman Andy Biggs, who she describes as a staunchly partisan Trump supporter. Giles, once a Republican, distanced himself from the party before re-registering as an independent earlier this year. In a conversation with NPR, Giles shared that he voted for Joe Biden in 2020, motivated by concerns over Donald Trump’s potential second term impacts on the country.
Giles also endorsed Hobbs in her initial gubernatorial run and supported Democrat Mark Kelly’s successful Senate campaign. His political journey led him to a speaking role at the Democratic National Convention, where he openly stated, “I have a confession to make: I’m a lifelong Republican. So I feel a little out of place tonight. But I feel more at home here than in today’s Republican Party.” He criticized the GOP for becoming “the cult of Donald Trump.”
Despite his departure from the Republican Party, Giles expressed to PBS in 2024 that he still aligns more with Republican policies than Democratic ones, particularly on issues like border control and pro-life stances. “I didn’t leave the Republican Party,” he remarked. “The Republican Party is trying desperately to leave me.” Nonetheless, he formally left the party earlier this year, as confirmed by Maricopa County Recorder’s Office records.
The reaction from Biggs’ campaign was swift, launching a website labeling Hobbs and Giles as “Kamala and Tim’s choice for governor,” referencing Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The site highlights Giles’ DNC attendance and his support for Harris.
This election marks the first time Arizonans will vote for governor and lieutenant governor as a joint ticket. Previously, the state constitution stipulated that the secretary of state would succeed the governor if the latter left office, leading to potential party shifts. This was evident in 2009 when Republican Jan Brewer succeeded Democrat Janet Napolitano. The 2022 voter-approved change now allows for a lieutenant governor, providing party continuity in gubernatorial transitions.
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