Gov. Katie Hobbs and Andy Biggs must pick lieutenant governors ahead of Election Day

Arizona’s 2026 governor’s race will feature something voters have never seen before: candidates for lieutenant governor running alongside the nominees for governor.

The running mates chosen by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican nominee Andy Biggs could significantly affect their chances of winning on Nov. 3.

Neither Hobbs nor Biggs has announced a lieutenant governor pick. Arizona voters created the position by approving Proposition 131 in 2022. The lieutenant governor will serve in an administrative role and take over if the governor can no longer serve or must step down.

Stan Barnes, a political expert with Copper State Consulting, discussed several potential picks for each candidate and how they could shape the race.

Who are some of the best picks for Katie Hobbs ahead of 2026 general election?

One name that’s been floated in terms of good picks is former Mesa Mayor John Giles, a Republican.

“I think Giles would take it. I mean, he’s former mayor of Mesa, a tremendous guy, a lawyer, moderate. But I’m not sure the Democratic Party would put up with it,” Barnes told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show on Wednesday.

He also isn’t sure Hobbs would be willing to pick a Republican over a fellow Democrat.

“I’m afraid that that’s that’s a bridge too far from her, but I think she does need a male and and it’d be helpful if that person was not a Phoenix person,” Barnes said.

Could Andy Biggs pick Karrin Taylor-Robson as his lieutenant governor?

One potential lieutenant governor pick for Biggs is Karrin Taylor Robson, a wealthy businesswoman who dropped out of the governor’s race earlier this year despite having President Donald Trump’s endorsement. She said she withdrew to avoid splitting the Republican vote and creating conflict within the party.

Barnes doesn’t think Taylor-Robson would take the position if offered.

“Karrin is powerfully influential. And why does she want a day job that is not the job? I can’t imagine her taking a job where she has to inquire daily as to the health of the governor and other than that as an administrator of some department. So I’m shaking my head at that one,” Barnes said.

However, he hasn’t ruled the possibility out.

“She has also shown herself to do what’s right for the party: step aside in the race. She is someone looks for the greater good,” Barnes said. “If they said, ‘This is the ticket that has got the best chance of winning the governor’s office,’ making that sacrifice wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for something she would consider.”

What about Matt Salmon as an Andy Biggs running mate?

Another possibility floated: former Arizona state Sen. Matt Salmon — but Barnes shot that down.

“The Republican nominee needs somebody that is not an LDS (Latter Day Saints) man from the East Valley with those conservative numbers,” Barnes said. “That’s like taking a that’s like another Andy. … You’re chasing your own tail.”

There’s one candidate he thinks would work well as a complement to Biggs, though.

“I think somebody like Lea Marquez-Peterson, who is a statewide elected official from Tucson, a Latina, a diplomat, a very nice person and very competent, she might be a good ticket balance for him,” Barnes said.

During an interview with the AZ Political Podcast, Biggs said he has people in mind but did not give further details.

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