The Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, the largest suburb of Phoenix, endorsed Vice President Harris on Monday, saying “the Vice President is the only person who can put country over party” in the November election.
Mesa Mayor John Giles An op-ed in the Arizona Republic Republicans should vote to reject former President Trump.
“Our party has always stood for the belief that all Arizonans, regardless of their background or circumstance, should have the freedom, opportunity and safety to achieve the American Dream,” Giles wrote.
“But the Republican Party has yet to correct course since Donald Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election,” he continued. “Under Trump’s leadership, the Republican Party has moved away from a focus on our fundamental freedoms and continues down a path of political extremism.”
Giles argued that Biden and Harris have delivered for Arizona, pointing to infrastructure investment and new jobs, while President Trump has turned his back on immigration reform, and that Harris represents a return to “decency” in politics.
Giles looked back on the career of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and argued that Arizona needs more like-minded leaders who can work together across party lines.
“And that is the same high character and leadership I see in Vice President Harris,” he wrote.
He similarly praised Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who is reportedly under consideration as Harris’ running mate.
“That’s why I stand with her. Kamala Harris is the competent, fair and impartial leader our country wants,” Giles said. “There’s too much at stake this year to vote Republican.”
While Trump has a lead over Biden in Arizona polls, recent polls have Harris running neck and neck with Biden in the state. Arizona Democrats hope that Harris’ lead will improve their chances of winning the state’s Senate election in November, where Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is hoping to replace retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).
