Former Republican Sen. Jeff Flake (Ariz.) announced Sunday he would be endorsing Vice President Harris in the upcoming election.
Flake, who stepped down earlier this month from his position as ambassador to Turkey, said in a lengthy statement he supports Harris because she understands political opponents are fellow citizens, “not the enemy.”
“Having spent the past three years overseas as a U.S. Ambassador, I’ve seen up close that we have very real enemies abroad,” Flake said in a statement on the social platform X. “We also have vital and indispensable allies.”
“I want to support a Presidential candidate who understands and appreciates the difference,” he said.
Flake, who served in the House from 2001 to 2013 and in the Senate from 2013 to 2019, said he worked alongside Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, when they were in Congress. He supports their campaign because they unite the country and represent a new generation with hope for the future.
“I would encourage all Republicans who feel this way to do the same. After all, in times like these, there is nothing more conservative than putting country over party,” Flake said.
Flake’s endorsement comes as Harris narrowly trails former President Trump in Arizona, a key swing state that barely went to President Biden in 2020. Trump has a 0.8 percentage point lead in the state, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ.
The Arizona Republican is not the first GOP lawmaker to back Harris, rebuking the party’s nomination of Trump.
Mesa, Ariz., Mayor John Giles (R) said he was also going to put “country over party” and back Harris. Former Kansas GOP Sen. Nancy Kassebaum endorsed Harris on Thursday, looking for a “brighter future.” Former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan (R) pushed for more Republicans to support Harris because just by casting their ballot for her this fall, they do not automatically become a Democrat.
Other prominent Republicans have voiced support for Harris. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), a vocal opponent of Trump, said she would back the Democrats. A few days later, Cheney’s father, former GOP Vice President Dick Cheney, said he would be voting for Harris.