Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is currently facing a challenging reelection campaign. In a strategic move, she announced her running mate on Tuesday: John Giles, the former mayor of Mesa. Giles, who was a lifelong Republican, recently changed his affiliation to independent. This decision forms an unusual political partnership at a time when partisan divides are notably strong.

Governor Hobbs is seen as one of the most at-risk Democratic governors in the nation. By choosing Giles, she creates a bipartisan ticket aimed at broadening her electoral appeal. On Monday, Hobbs was photographed with Giles in Phoenix, emphasizing the new alliance.