U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly optimistic about Gov. Katie Hobbs: ‘I think she’s gonna get reelected’

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly feels optimistic about Gov. Katie Hobbs’ chances of being reelected, especially after she picked former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate.

“I think she made a good choice, and I think she’s gonna get reelected,” Kelly told KTAR News 92.3 FM‘s Heidi Hommel on Thursday. “John Giles is also a great pick to be her running mate.”

This is the first Arizona governor’s race to include lieutenant governor candidates. Voters created the position in 2022 so that, if a governor leaves office, an elected running mate with similar priorities takes over.

Mark Kelly approves of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ reelection strategy

Giles, a longtime Republican who became an independent in May, says he maintains his conservative values — and that they align with Hobbs’ priorities.

“Very successful mayor, really good guy, cares about the people of this state,” Kelly said of Giles.

The Democrat ticket’s campaign strategy has emphasized bipartisanship, while the Republican ticket of U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs and former state Sen. Sine Kerr is closely aligned with President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

“Her opponent is a bad option,” Kelly said of Biggs.

There are less than three months to go until the Nov. 3 general election. Hobbs holds a 48% to 35% lead over Biggs challenger among likely voters with  according to the latest polling by Noble Predictive Insights.

“I think Katie Hobbs has done a great job as governor,” Kelly said. “Deserves to be reelected.”

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