A LIFETIME OF FAMILY AND SERVICE
The son of an elementary school principal and a teacher, John Giles was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. Growing up, his parents taught him the importance of education, hard work, serving others, and giving back to the community that raised you.
John attended Mesa public schools before going to Brigham Young University, where he met his wife. They have been married for 43 years and have five children and ten grandchildren. For John, family has always been at the center of his life and has shaped his commitment to serving others.
After building a career and raising his family in the community where he grew up, John felt a responsibility to give back. That commitment led him to public service and, eventually, to serving as mayor of Mesa for 10 years.
PUTTING ARIZONA AHEAD OF PARTISAN POLITICS
John has always believed that public service is about solving problems, not scoring political points. A lifelong Republican before becoming an Independent, he has never been afraid to work across the aisle—or stand up to his own party—when he believes it’s the right thing to do for Arizona.
That approach defined his leadership as mayor. John brought people together to revitalize downtown Mesa, strengthen public education, attract new businesses and good-paying jobs, and make critical investments in transportation and infrastructure. He worked with leaders from both parties because he knew that delivering results mattered more than who got the credit.
BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO DELIVER RESULTS
Throughout his career, John has shown that bringing people together isn’t just something you talk about—it’s how you get things done.
During his decade as mayor, he worked with business leaders, educators, community organizations, and elected officials at every level of government to deliver for the people he served. That approach helped Mesa grow its economy, create new opportunities for families, strengthen its schools, and prepare for the future.
And John has carried that commitment beyond the mayor’s office. He has worked with leaders across Arizona on transportation, education, economic development, and other issues critical to the state’s future. In 2022, he helped lead a coalition of Republicans and Independents supporting Katie Hobbs, later spoke at her inauguration, and has served on commissions in her administration focused on transportation and early childhood education.
Now, John is joining Katie because they share the same belief about leadership: put Arizona first, bring people together, find common ground, and deliver real results.
Together, Katie and John are building a broad coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents focused on lowering costs, protecting Arizona’s water, strengthening public education, creating good-paying jobs, keeping communities safe, and protecting Arizonans’ freedoms.
“Arizona is my home. It’s where I grew up, raised my family, and had the honor of serving my community. I’ve always believed we accomplish more when we work together, and I’m proud to join Katie to bring people together and keep delivering for the state we love.”
John and his wife have been married for 43 years and have five children and ten grandchildren.
