CASA GRANDE – On Tuesday, Gov. Katie Hobbs and her running mate, former Mesa Mayor John Giles, fired up over 200 supporters in Casa Grande at a GOTV event, emphasizing their shared platform of lowering costs and putting Arizona families first.
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Pinal Central: Hobbs, others rally Democratic supporters at CG event
Jodie Newell
October 21, 2026
- With two weeks remaining before the Nov. 3 general election, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs brought her reelection campaign to Casa Grande Tuesday evening, joining several other Democratic candidates and elected officials before a large crowd of enthusiastic supporters.
- The energetic rally held at The Landmark Event Center brought together Democratic supporters from across Pinal County to hear from Hobbs, lieutenant governor running mate and former Mesa Mayor John Giles, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and congressional candidates JoAnna Mendoza and Jonathan Nez.
- Also in attendance were Casa Grande Mayor Lisa Navarro Fitzgibbons and Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, who encouraged residents to participate in the election.
- Hobbs, seeking a second term against Republican challenger Andy Biggs, told supporters that Arizona’s closely contested political landscape makes voter participation particularly important.
- “I am so excited to be here tonight. This is such an amazing turnout,” she said. “We have 14 days. We have the momentum, and together I know that we are going to bring this home in November.”
- The governor acknowledged the challenges facing her campaign, noting that Arizona had supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election and that Republicans maintain a voter registration advantage.
- “I am in the most competitive Democratic governor’s reelection in the country,” Hobbs said.
- She urged supporters to continue contacting voters and encouraging participation through Election Day.
- During her speech, Hobbs touched on her upbringing in a working-class Arizona family and the financial difficulties she experienced before entering politics. She recalled relying on food assistance during childhood and later losing a home to foreclosure during the financial crisis.
- Those experiences, she said, influenced her decision to pursue social work and eventually seek public office.
- The governor contrasted her record with that of Biggs, criticizing his positions on Medicaid, reproductive rights and election integrity.
- She accused Biggs of supporting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, warning that the outcome of Arizona’s gubernatorial race could have implications for the 2028 presidential election.
- “If Andy Biggs is governor, then Arizona would be the first swing state with an election denier in charge,” Hobbs said.
- Giles, who previously served as Mesa mayor and was a Republican before becoming an independent and joining Hobbs’ Democratic ticket, emphasized the importance of supporting candidates regardless of party affiliation.
- He described his experience working with Hobbs on municipal issues, including transportation infrastructure, and praised her willingness to cooperate with local officials.
- Giles also criticized Biggs, recalling disagreements during his tenure as Mesa mayor over federal transportation and aviation infrastructure projects.
- Throughout the evening, speakers repeatedly encouraged attendees to return their early ballots and urge friends, relatives and neighbors to participate in the Nov. 3 general election.
- Hobbs reinforced that message as she concluded her remarks.
- “We cannot give up until election day. We have to make sure we talk to every single voter.”
