Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is drawing online criticism after announcing former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her lieutenant governor pick. In a post on X, the Democratic governor said the selection would put Arizona ahead of partisan politics and deliver real results. Commenters responded with sharp rebukes over the choice.
The announcement was posted on X by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs under the handle @katiehobbs. In the video, Hobbs states, “I believe leadership is about who you’re willing to fight for,” and says that as governor she has “always fought for the people of Arizona by cutting taxes, securing our border, supporting public safety, and protecting Arizona’s water.”
She notes that this is the first time Arizona is electing a governor and lieutenant governor on the same ticket and that she sought a running mate who shares the value of “putting Arizonans ahead of partisan politics.” She then introduces “my running mate, former Mesa Mayor John Giles.”
Giles appears alongside her and says, “I was a lifelong Republican before becoming an Independent because extremists shouldn’t stand in the way of getting things done.” He describes being born and raised in Arizona, attending Mesa public schools, and, as mayor, focusing on “getting results and bringing people together to solve problems,” including revitalizing downtown, improving public education, and attracting businesses.
He adds that he is “proud to join Katie Hobbs as her candidate for lieutenant governor because Katie will continue to put Arizona first.” The video ends with on-screen text reading “Putting Arizona First” and “Delivering for Arizona,” along with the joint campaign logo.
The accompanying post text echoes the video’s message that Arizona deserves leaders who put the state ahead of partisan politics and that the pair will deliver real results. Giles previously served as mayor of Mesa from 2014 to 2025 and changed his party registration to independent earlier this year. The selection marks the first time voters will choose a lieutenant governor on the same ticket as the governor.
Reactions to the Arizona Lieutenant Governor Announcement
Some users focused on Hobbs’ record, noting that she “has made her stance clear by repeatedly vetoing bills that protect women’s and girls’ sports” and referring to her as the “Veto Queen” who puts priorities “ahead of the Teacher’s Union.”
Others directed criticism at Giles, calling him “a complete fraud who will do or say anything to get noticed and secure a position of influence” and stating that he supported “the illegal COVID shutdowns, DEI, CRT, and yes, boys in girls restrooms and locker rooms.”
Several commenters expressed broader skepticism about the selection itself, with one writing, “It’s sad that he was the best you could find,” while others questioned whether the pick truly put Arizona first over partisan considerations.
The announcement has become one more moment in the ongoing conversation around Arizona’s gubernatorial race. Online discussion continues to center on the candidates’ records and the choice of running mate ahead of the November election.
