Republican Arizona mayor backs Harris over Trump, evoking McCain

The GOP mayor of Mesa, Ariz. — Phoenix’s largest suburb — endorsed Vice President Harris on Monday, saying only the vice president can “put country over party” in the November election.

Mesa Mayor John Giles wrote in an op-ed for The Arizona Republic that Republicans should reject former President Trump at the ballot box.

“Our party used to stand for the belief that every Arizonan, no matter their background or circumstances, should have the freedom, opportunity and security to live out their American Dream,” Giles wrote.

“But since Donald Trump refused to accept the outcome of the 2020 election, Republicans have yet to course correct,” he continued. “The Republican Party with Trump at its helm continues down the path of political extremism, away from focusing on our fundamental freedoms.”

Giles argued that President Biden and Harris have delivered for Arizona, pointing to infrastructure investments and new jobs, while Trump turned away from immigration reforms. He also argued that Harris represents a return to “decency” in politics.

Giles recalled the career of the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), arguing that Arizona needs more like-minded leaders who can work across the aisle. 

“And it’s that same high caliber of character and leadership I see in Vice President Harris,” he wrote. 

He similarly shouted out Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who is reported to be among those under consideration to be Harris’s vice presidential nominee.

“That’s why I’m standing with her. Kamala Harris is the competent, just and fair leader our country deserves,” Giles said. “This year too much is at stake to vote Republican at the top of the ticket.”

Trump led Biden in Arizona polling, though recent polls have shown Harris neck and neck with the former president in the state. Arizona Democrats hope Harris at the top of the ticket can improve their chances of winning the state’s Senate race in November, where Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is hoping to succeed the departing Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).