Former Mesa Mayor John Giles, reportedly the lieutenant governor pick for Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, formally left the Republican party in May, records obtained by Axios show.

Why it matters: Hobbs needs to appeal to moderate voters in her tight race for reelection. Giles is seen by some as a candidate who could help broaden her appeal, though it's unclear what his leaving the GOP means for that.

Catch up quick: The Hobbs campaign has not announced Giles' selection and has declined to comment on it. Giles did not return multiple calls and texts from Axios about his party change.

Zoom in: Axios obtained Giles' voter records from the Maricopa County Recorder's Office via public records request. The records show that Giles switched from the Republican Party to "no party preference" in May.

• Records show that Giles, who was Mesa's mayor 2014-2025, first registered as a Republican in 1986 and, until this year, has voted as a Republican in every primary and general election since at least 1998.
• Giles briefly switched to independent once before, in 2011, but became a Republican again months later. There was no election that year.
• After ditching the GOP this year, Giles voted in the Democratic primary. Arizona allows independents to receive a party primary ballot of their choice.

Context: Much of Giles' appeal has come from being a Republican who has supported Democrats as the GOP has become more extreme under the leadership of President Trump.

• Giles endorsed Hobbs during her original governor campaign against Kari Lake in 2022 and was a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris against Trump in 2024, speaking at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year.

State of play: Giles is not legally required to drop the GOP to run with Hobbs, leaving his switch to independent status up for interpretation.

• The 2022 measure that created the lieutenant governor position contains no requirement for governor and lieutenant governor candidates to be in the same party.

The bottom line: Until Hobbs and Giles confirm he's the the pick, the significance of his party switch will only add fuel to the rumor mill.

The explosion of sports betting in Arizona has led to a rise in problem gambling, but the state is now offering more help.

Why it matters: The Arizona Department of Gaming announced yesterday that residents who have placed themselves on the self-exclusion list can now access no-cost financial counseling through the company GamFin.

• The self-exclusion list allows people to bar themselves from accessing online betting platforms or casinos.

What they're saying: "Choosing to self-exclude is a real act of commitment, but ending gambling doesn't erase the financial harm it may have caused," said GamFin founder Alex De Marco in a press release. "Rebuilding your financial life is part of recovery — not something that can be set aside for later."

How it works: Those who qualify will work with a financial counselor to assess their finances and plan for the future, per the state's announcement.

• Over several sessions, counselors will "identify immediate financial priorities and establish long-term goals," as well as "provide personalized guidance" on budgeting, debt management, rebuilding credit and developing financial stability.

The big picture: Since Arizona legalized online event wagering in 2021, bettors in the state have placed more money in wagers — known as the handle, in betting parlance — than their counterparts in the casino haven of Nevada.

• As of last month, Arizona bettors had made over $34 billion in wagers since legalization.
• 2,348 people have self-excluded in that same span, including a record-breaking 651 in the last fiscal year.

To self-exclude, visit gaming.az.gov/exclude.

🚨 From March 25 through July 30, city of Phoenix speed cameras cited over 65,300 drivers. Only about 1 in 10 drivers has paid. (AZCentral)

💰 House Speaker Mike Johnson and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Casa Grande yesterday to tout the Trump administration's economic policies. (AZFamily)

🍕 Crust Simply Italian is expanding to the East Valley with its fifth location, which will include a bird-themed hidden speakeasy, a new coffee bar and gelato shop. (Phoenix New Times)

After Salad and Go announced earlier this week that it was going out of business, health-minded patrons flocked to the chain's locations across the Valley for its final day of operation yesterday.

Why it matters: The popular healthy fast food chain, which started in Gilbert in 2013 and rapidly expanded, is shutting down as it goes through bankruptcy.

What they're saying: Salad and Go's announcement prompted an outpouring of love from Arizonans who relied on its nutritious menu for breakfast and lunch.

• Tony and Roushan Christofellis, who started the chain before selling it in 2021, called the announcement "heartbreaking."
• Rueful threads popped up on several Valley-centered subreddits.

When Axios visited the Seventh Avenue and Indian School Road location yesterday, the drive-thru line snaked through the entire parking lot. Fans expressed their sadness at losing the Valley staple.

• "There isn't really another place like this," said customer Juliette Cossey.

What's next: Tempe-based coffee chain Dutch Bros plans to purchase Salad and Go's locations for $105 million, the Arizona Republic reported.

• Fans of the chain might want to check out the Christofellis' latest concept: Angie's, which has locations throughout the Valley.