Former Republican Senator Jeff Flake announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, attributing it to his conservative beliefs—rather than in opposition to them—in a recent interview.

Flake, from Arizona, is endorsing a Democrat for the second consecutive election. He supported President Joe Biden in 2020 over former President Donald Trump and chose to vote for a third-party candidate instead of Trump in 2016.

“I identify as a conservative. I uphold the rule of law,” Flake stated during his interview at The Nile Coffee Shop in Mesa on Saturday. “Above all, I want to support a candidate who respects the rule of law, someone who wouldn’t attempt to misuse presidential authority to overturn an election if they were to lose.”

His endorsement comes just 37 days ahead of the election and arrives at a time when Harris needs support in Arizona. Current polls indicate a close race between Harris and Trump, with Trump slightly in the lead on issues that resonate with voters.

This endorsement is part of a broader strategy by Harris to appeal to Arizona Republicans and independents who, like Flake, might not align perfectly with her policies but are disenchanted with Trump’s confrontational style and denial of election results.

“As a conservative, I believe in the rule of law, limited government, economic freedom, individual responsibility, and free trade. When comparing the candidates, Kamala Harris aligns more closely with those principles than Donald Trump,” Flake commented. “I don’t need to fully agree with every aspect of the Harris campaign. I’ve never completely endorsed the platform of any Republican I’ve voted for.”

Flake has worked alongside both Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, during his congressional career, where he came to understand the character of both candidates. He served on the Senate Judiciary Committee with Harris and previously collaborated with Walz in the House.

Flake mentioned that he spoke with Walz a few days prior and had a “productive conversation.”

Recently returning from Turkey after completing his ambassadorship, Flake emphasized his support for Harris as soon as his official duties wrapped up. Biden had appointed him as U.S. ambassador to Turkey in 2021.

During the interview, Flake also addressed the allegations against New York City Mayor Eric Adams regarding bribery by Turkish nationals, including a government official. Flake stated that most of these alleged actions occurred before his ambassadorship, expressing surprise upon reading the indictment. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

“It’s quite bold,” Flake said. “It’s unfortunate. But during my time in Turkey, this issue did not arise. I had no awareness of it.”

Nevertheless, Flake was collaborating with the Southern District of New York on another matter: the repatriation of stolen cultural artifacts to Turkey that had been held in U.S. museums or private collections.

Flake pointed out that he has closely observed the evolving circumstances in the Middle East and mentioned foreign policy as a critical factor in his support for Harris over Trump. He also highlighted tariffs and immigration as prominent issues.

“Her dedication to our international allies matters to me. Acknowledging that tariffs can raise inflation and costs for American consumers is crucial. Additionally, her understanding that immigration reform must be both necessary and bipartisan is vital,” Flake articulated.

The day before, Harris delivered a speech in Arizona on border security, vowing to strengthen measures against illegal immigration beyond what Biden had implemented. She toured the U.S.-Mexico border and engaged with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Harris remarked that the nation’s immigration strategies should be “systematic” and “compassionate,” promising to take a firm stance against illegal border crossings and pursue legal action against repeat offenders.

“I wasn’t surprised she announced a tougher immigration policy than Biden’s,” Flake stated. “I appreciate it; I believe it’s the right approach.”

Furthermore, Harris claimed she had greater commitment to addressing immigration than Trump, who promised mass deportations and the completion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall on his return to office. Trump frequently criticizes Harris for the record-high migrant encounters at the southern border during Biden’s administration.

Flake has been a consistent critic of Trump for over five years, condemning his political tactics, his aggressive trade policies, and his immigration stance. He faced backlash from Trump and a rival in the 2017 Republican primary.

“I have never supported Donald Trump. I didn’t support him in 2016 or in 2020. Nothing in the past four years has convinced me to do so this time,” Flake remarked. “I served alongside Kamala Harris in the Senate. I am familiar with her character.”

Flake decided not to seek reelection in 2018, mentioning that “there may not be a place for a Republican like me” in today’s GOP. Four years later, the Arizona Republican Party formally reprimanded him for endorsing Biden.

Despite this, Flake remains hopeful that Americans can return to more traditional political discussions centered around policies. He expressed that Trump has negatively impacted conservatism and the Republican Party, asserting that “there’s no future in resentment or grievance.”

“Eventually, Republicans become weary of defeat,” Flake remarked, highlighting the recent successes of Democrats both nationally and in Arizona.

After Flake’s tenure ended, Democrats secured both Senate seats, the Governor’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office in Arizona. Currently, Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego leads in the Senate race against Kari Lake, a former news anchor with ties to Trump.

“Arizona is a traditionally Republican state, and a conventional Republican candidate can prevail here,” Flake stated. “However, running as a MAGA Republican who refuses to accept Trump’s election loss, or who engages in aggressive political tactics, isn’t likely to succeed with Arizona voters, which reflects positively on them.”

Harris has indicated her intention to nominate a Republican for her Cabinet if she becomes president, but Flake dismissed any rumors about joining a potential Harris administration.

“That’s not a position I’m pursuing,” Flake stated.

Flake also addressed a recent assertion made by Senator JD Vance, Trump’s associate from Ohio, suggesting that the late Senator John McCain would not have supported Harris if he were alive. This claim followed Jim McCain’s endorsement of Harris and his registration as a Democrat.

“I wouldn’t pretend to know how someone would vote, and I caution anyone who makes such assumptions,” Flake advised.

As for Trump, he hasn’t reached out to Flake for an endorsement this election season. They haven’t been in touch since Flake was in the Senate and Trump occupied the White House. Flake is not concerned about how Trump might react to his endorsement of Harris.

“He might call me names like ‘Flaky Flake’ again, but I wouldn’t be bothered by that,” Flake said.