Former GOP Senator Jeff Flake has garnered attention for his recent endorsement of US Vice President Kamala Harris on his social media platform X. Flake served Arizona in the US Senate from 2013 until 2019 and was previously a member of the House of Representatives. Flake has positioned himself as a prominent figure within the Republican Party, particularly in opposition to Donald Trump, as per NBC News.
In a statement posted on X, Flake wrote, “I want to support a presidential candidate who represents a new generation of leadership based not on grievances of the past, but hope for the future.” This endorsement marks a continuation of Flake’s trend of prioritising country over party, as he previously endorsed Joe Biden for President in 2020 while serving as the US Ambassador to Turkey.
Flake’s political career has been characterised by his commitment to conservative values, including the rule of law and a strong foreign policy. “Having spent the past three years overseas as a US Ambassador, I’ve seen close up that we have very real enemies abroad. We also have vital and indispensable allies. I want to support a president who understands and appreciates the difference,” he said.
Flake’s relationship with the Republican Party has been debatable, particularly after announcing he would not seek re-election in 2018 due to the rising influence of Trump. “There may not be a place for a Republican like me in the current Republican climate or the current Republican Party,” he remarked at the time.
In an interview with ABC News, Flake expressed the sentiments shared by many conservative Republicans regarding Trump’s actions post-election, saying, “It’s difficult to support a candidate who, having lost an election, tries to use the powers of the presidency to overturn that election. That is anything but respect for the rule of law.”