Who is John Giles? What to know about Republican mayor in Arizona who endorsed Kamala Harris

John Giles, the GOP mayor of Mesa, burst onto the national political scene this week when he wrote a guest column Monday for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com in which he endorsed Kamala Harris for U.S. president and denounced former President Donald Trump.

The announcement, while not surprising to local observers who know him well, was noteworthy because it was so public and so soon after Harris had emerged as the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party. Giles took a step further when he appeared on CNN later Monday to explain his position and said he supported Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly for Harris' running mate.

His endorsement was listed by the Harris campaign along with 20 other current and former mayors from across Arizona.

CNN noted how unusual it was for a GOP leader to publicly criticize Trump, pointing out most who have done so were no longer in office, unlike Giles.

Here's what you need to know:

Who is the mayor of Mesa?

John Giles has been the mayor of Mesa for 10 years. He is not seeking reelection because he is barred by local term limit laws. Mesa is the third-most populous city in Arizona and the 36th largest in the United States.

Mesa mayor's endorsement: Why Republican John Giles asked Arizona GOP voters to support Kamala Harris

Who is John Giles?

Giles was elected as Mesa’s 40th mayor in a special election in 2014 and served on the City Council from 1996 to 2000. Before becoming a full-time mayor, he worked as a personal injury lawyer.

Giles was born and raised in Mesa. He graduated from Westwood High School and later attended Brigham Young University and Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.

Why is Giles endorsing Kamala Harris?

In an op-ed published in The Arizona Republic, Giles wrote it was time to “return to the core foundations of the Grand Old Party,” and choose a leader who will put country over party. He went on to say Trump "poses a threat" to the nation.

"But since Donald Trump refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, Republicans have yet to course correct. The Republican Party with Trump at its helm continues down the path of political extremism, away from focusing on our fundamental freedoms," Giles wrote, adding, "Now more than ever, we need leaders who will put country over party."

Read the op-ed: Why, as a Republican mayor, I support Kamala Harris over Trump

Why is Giles endorsing Mark Kelly?

Giles also supports U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona to be Harris’ vice president. During his appearance on CNN Monday he lauded Kelly's qualifications.

“He’s a real John Glenn, a 'Right Stuff' person,” said Giles about Kelly.  “He’s very talented and capable. He could be secretary of defense and VP at same time.”

Didn't Jonn Giles endorse other Democrats? What happened?

Yes. This is not the first time Giles has endorsed a Democrat.

In 2022, he backed U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly's bid for a second term. Giles later was censured by GOP precinct committees in Mesa-area state legislative districts. Giles also supported Gov. Katie Hobbs in the 2022 gubernatorial race.

Giles has refused to leave the Republican party. In interviews with The Arizona Republic, he said he remains steadfast there is still room in the party for a more moderate centrist Republican.

What is Giles' legacy in Mesa?

Giles has touted job and economic growth in interviews and speeches.

In his final state of the city address, in February, Giles appeared on stage with Sen. Kelly, dressed as an astronaut, and rock legend Alice Cooper, dressed as a Star Wars villain, in a mock light-saber duel.

Giles was known for his light-hearted, even goofy presentations.

“We continue to dream big. And for this mayor, Mesa will always be ‘out of this world,’” Giles said during his speech.

In recent years, Giles has overseen the controversial development of the blighted downtown Site 17, the demolition of Fiesta Mall and the arrival of high-tech industries to east Mesa, including Virgin Galactic's spaceship assembly plant.

Giles has focused on education, notably the $200 million expansion to ASU's polytechnic campus in southeast Mesa to focus on advanced manufacturing and semiconductor fabrication.

With Giles in the mayor's office, ASU has also expanded its presence in downtown Mesa, which has seen a resurgence in recent years.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who is John Giles? What to about his endorsement of Kamala Harris