Mesa Mayor John Giles Calls Arizona Republicans to Reject Donald Trump

In a surprising political move, Mesa, Arizona's Republican Mayor John Giles has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, the likely Democratic presidential nominee. Giles, who has served as mayor for a decade, emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the nation over party loyalty, opting not to support former President Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican nomination. His endorsement aligns him with other Arizona mayors, including Phoenix's Kate Gallego and Tucson's Regina Romero, who have also expressed support for Harris. In an op-ed published in the Arizona Republic, Giles articulated his belief that the Republican Party has a moral obligation to restore trust in democratic institutions. He invoked the late Senator John McCain's "Country First" philosophy, urging fellow Republicans to reject Trump and return to the party's foundational principles. Giles criticized Trump for failing to accept the 2020 election results, which he believes has hindered the party's ability to move forward. Giles also addressed issues at the Arizona-Mexico border, attributing ongoing challenges to Trump's policies. He accused Trump of obstructing necessary immigration reforms for personal political gain, arguing that the Biden administration has been more effective in addressing these concerns. He highlighted significant federal investments in Arizona, particularly through Biden's Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS Act, as evidence of better governance. As the third-largest city in Arizona, Mesa's political landscape is influenced by Giles' leadership. Although he is not seeking re-election due to term limits, Giles called for unity among Arizona Republicans, independents, and Democrats to combat what he perceives as a dangerous far-right agenda.