Former Republican Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona announced on Sunday his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for the upcoming election. Flake, who recently stepped down as the U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, emphasized in a detailed statement that he supports Harris because she views political opponents as fellow citizens rather than adversaries.
“Having spent the past three years overseas as a U.S. Ambassador, I’ve witnessed firsthand that our real enemies are abroad,” Flake remarked on X. “We also have vital and indispensable allies.” He expressed a desire to back a presidential candidate who recognizes these distinctions.
“I want to support a Presidential candidate who understands and appreciates the difference,” he said.
Flake, who represented Arizona in the House from 2001 to 2013 and served in the Senate from 2013 to 2019, highlighted his previous collaborations with Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, during their time in Congress. He believes their campaign offers a vision for unity and represents a new generation of leadership filled 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 arrives as Harris trails former President Trump by a narrow margin in Arizona, a critical swing state that narrowly supported President Biden in the 2020 election. Current polling shows Trump with a slim 0.8 percent lead in the state.
Watch Flake’s endorsement below:
I’ll be supporting Kamala Harris for President and Tim Walz for Vice President.
I’ve served with Kamala in the U.S Senate. I’ve also served with Tim in the House of Representatives.
I know them. I know first of hand of their fine character and love of country.
I would… pic.twitter.com/xn0OM4rcqk
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 29, 2024
Flake is not alone in his support; other Republican figures have also endorsed Harris, signaling a departure from the party’s traditional alignment. Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles recently stated his intention to put “country over party” by supporting Harris. Former Kansas Senator Nancy Kassebaum and former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan have also voiced their backing, with Duncan encouraging more Republicans to consider supporting Harris without feeling they would automatically align with the Democratic Party.
Additionally, former Representative Liz Cheney, a well-known critic of Trump, has expressed her intention to support the Democrats, with her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, also stating he would vote for Harris.
