Former Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona announced Sunday that he will support Vice President Harris in the upcoming election.
Flake, who resigned as Turkey's ambassador earlier this month, said in a lengthy statement that he supports Harris because he understands that political opponents are “compatriots, not enemies.”
“Having spent the past three years overseas as a U.S. ambassador, I have seen firsthand that our true enemies exist overseas.” Mr. Flake's statement regarding X states: “We also have essential and indispensable allies.”
“I want to support presidential candidates who understand and appreciate differences,” he said.
Flake, who served in the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 and in the Senate from 2013 to 2019, said Harris and her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minnesota), worked together when they were both senators. Ta. He supports their campaign because they represent a new generation that unites the country and has hope for the future.
“I 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 before party.” Flake said.
Flake's endorsement comes as Harris is narrowly trailing former President Trump in Arizona, a key battleground state that President Biden narrowly won in 2020. Trump has a 0.8 percentage point lead in the state, according to Hill/Decision Desk headquarters.
The Arizona Republican is not the first Republican to endorse Harris and condemn his party's nomination of Trump.
John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, also said he would support Harris, putting “country over party.” Former Kansas Republican Sen. Nancy Kassebaum endorsed Harris on Thursday, calling for a “bright future.” Former Georgia lieutenant governor Jeff Duncan (R) called for more Republicans to support Harris because voting for her this fall doesn't automatically make her a Democrat.
Other prominent Republicans have also expressed support for Harris. Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), a vocal opponent of President Trump, said she supports Democrats. Days later, her father, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney, said he planned to vote for Harris.
