Former Republican Senator Jeff Flake is supporting Harris for president

Former GOP Sen. Jeff Flake on Sunday endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, writing in a statement that he wanted to support a presidential candidate who “represents a new generation of leadership based not on the grievances of the past, but on hope for the past.” Future”. ”

“I served with Kamala in the U.S. Senate. I also served with (Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz) in the House of Representatives. I know her. I know firsthand her good character and love for country,” the former Arizona senator added in his statement published on X.

Flake had previously supported Joe Biden for president in 2020 and served as ambassador to Turkey under Biden before resigning earlier this month.

The Republican mentioned that experience in his endorsement, writing, “Having spent the last three years abroad as U.S. ambassador, I have seen firsthand that we have very real enemies abroad.” We also have important and indispensable ones Allies. I want to support a president who understands and values ​​the difference.”

Even before the 2020 presidential election, Flake had long arguments with Donald Trump.

In 2016, he was a vocal critic of the then-Republican presidential nominee, saying he would put forward a nominee rather than vote for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Trump.

After announcing in 2017 that he would not seek re-election to the Senate the following year, Flake continued to be outspoken against Trump, saying at the time, “There may not be a place for a Republican like me” in the current Republican climate or the current Republican Party.”

His support for Harris comes as her campaign has been reaching out to prominent anti-Trump Republicans for support for months.

In August, the campaign unveiled more than two dozen Republican endorsements for vice president. And in September, former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney, another high-profile anti-Trump Republican, endorsed Harris. Days later, her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, also said he would vote for Harris.

The Democratic National Convention in August also featured prominent Republican speakers supporting Harris and Walz, including former Georgia lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger and former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham.

In a statement, Austin Weatherford, National Republican Outreach Director for the Harris campaign, highlighted the campaign’s “Republicans for Harris” program, which aims to send Harris-supporting Republicans into battleground states to alienate other traditionally Republican voters to convince Harris to support Harris in the elections.

“Our Republicans for Harris program brings this unifying, inspiring message to anti-Trump Republicans, moderates and independents. Although we are seeing an increase in support, we are not taking anyone for granted,” Weatherford said.

Later Sunday, Flake spoke to ABC News’ “This Week” and said many conservative Republicans feel the same way about the former president.

“I think Republicans in particular believe in the rule of law,” he said. “It is difficult to support a candidate who, after losing an election, attempts to use presidential power to overturn that election. This is anything but respect for the rule of law. So I know a lot of conservative Republicans feel that way. “I know you just can’t support a candidate like that.”