Governor Katie Hobbs announced former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her choice for lieutenant governor in a statement released August 11. Hobbs introduced Giles as a leader who shares her commitment to prioritizing Arizonans over partisan politics and delivering results.
Giles, who was a lifelong Republican before becoming an Independent, served as the mayor of Mesa for ten years. During his tenure, he worked to revitalize the downtown area, strengthen public education, and attract more businesses to the city.
Hobbs stated that she sought a running mate who values putting Arizona first. She noted that for the first time in the state's history, a governor and lieutenant governor will be elected on the same ticket.
John Giles expressed honor in joining the ticket, stating that he and Hobbs share a belief that leadership involves bringing people together and achieving results. He noted that his decision to become an Independent was driven by a desire to prevent extremists from obstructing progress.
Giles was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, and attended Mesa public schools. He met his wife at Brigham Young University, and the couple has been married for 43 years and has five children and ten grandchildren.
