Report: Arizona Gov Hobbs to Pick Giles as Running Mate
Is Hobbs-Giles a pragmatic cross-party move Arizona needs or a transparent rebranding that will fuel Andy Biggs?
Above: Katie Hobbs at her "Arizona First" rally at El Rio Center in Tucson on Nov. 1, 2025. Image credit: Rebecca Noble/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
This is a pragmatic, cross-party move Arizona needs. Giles brings real Republican credibility to the ticket, and pairing him with Hobbs sends a clear message that voters know we can't keep going down a hyper-partisan path. With Biggs carrying Trump's endorsement, this ticket offers a moderate alternative focused on governing over gridlock.
Pro-Trump narrative
Giles endorsed Harris, spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and co-chaired Republicans for Harris, so calling him "a Republican" is a stretch at best. This pick is a transparent attempt to manufacture a moderate image for a struggling campaign. Arizona voters will see through the rebranding, and that backlash will fuel Biggs.
