Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has selected former Republican Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for her 2026 re-election campaign.

Giles, who became an independent earlier this year, said he left the Republican Party because he believes political extremists are preventing progress.

The election will mark the first time Arizona voters choose a lieutenant governor, following approval of a ballot measure creating the position in 2022.

Hobbs faces Republican Rep. Andy Biggs in a competitive governor’s race, with Biggs selecting former state lawmaker Sine Kerr as his running mate, NBC News has reported.

Hobbs is highlighting her record of bipartisan cooperation, while Biggs is emphasizing lower taxes, border security and his support from President Donald Trump.