This could be a huge problem for Donald Trump.
Mesa, Arizona, a significant suburb of Phoenix, saw a surprising endorsement from its GOP mayor, John Giles, on Monday. In a notable shift, Giles publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming November election, declaring that she is the only candidate who can truly prioritize the nation’s needs over partisan interests.
In his op-ed for The Arizona Republic, Mayor Giles made a case for rejecting former President Donald Trump, asserting that Trump’s leadership has strayed from the core principles of the Republican Party. Giles reminisced about a time when the GOP championed the idea that all Arizonans should have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream, regardless of their background. However, Giles criticized Trump for refusing to accept the results of the 2020 election and claimed that Trump’s tenure has led the party towards extremism, deviating from its foundational values of liberty and opportunity.
Giles contrasted Trump’s stance with the achievements of the current administration, including infrastructure improvements and job creation under President Biden and Vice President Harris. He suggested that Trump’s failure to address crucial issues like immigration reform highlights his disconnect from practical governance. In addition, Giles lauded Harris as a symbol of “decency” in politics, echoing the leadership style of the late Senator John McCain, whom he admired for his bipartisan approach.
The mayor’s endorsement also extended to Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick for Harris. Giles praised both Harris and Kelly, framing them as embodiments of the high standards of leadership and integrity that Arizona needs.
Despite Trump’s initial lead in Arizona polls, recent surveys indicate a competitive race with Harris. Arizona Democrats are hopeful that having Harris at the forefront could bolster their chances in the Senate race, where Rep. Ruben Gallego aims to succeed the departing Senator Kyrsten Sinema.
Giles concluded his endorsement with a call to action, urging voters to consider what’s at stake this election year and to support a candidate who represents both competence and fairness, even if it means crossing party lines.
