Jeff Flake
Republican Congress
Summary
Former Republican senator who delivered a major Senate floor speech warning against the undermining of democratic norms and later endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024.
In Their Own Words
Key Statements
“
We must never regard as 'normal' the regular and casual undermining of our democratic norms and ideals.
Senate floor speech announcing retirement
“
We must never meekly accept the daily sundering of our country — the personal attacks, the threats against principles, freedoms and institutions, the flagrant disregard for truth or decency.
Same speech
“
For that reason, I'm endorsing Kamala Harris.
Announcement of endorsement
Timeline
January 3, 2013
Became U.S. Senator from Arizona
Moved to Senate
October 24, 2017
Announced retirement from Senate
Delivered floor speech warning against undermining democratic norms
January 3, 2019
Left Senate
Retired from politics
October 11, 2024
Endorsed Kamala Harris
Said country over party
Why This Matters
Credibility & Background
Positions Held
- U.S. Senator from Arizona (2013-2019)
- U.S. Representative from Arizona (2001-2013)
- U.S. Ambassador to Turkey (2021-present)
Analysis
Reasons for Opposition
- 01 Warned against the casual undermining of democratic norms
- 02 Condemned attacks on institutions and disregard for truth
- 03 Said country should come before party
Documentation
Sources
Government October 24, 2017
Congressional Record, Oct. 24, 2017 (Flake speech)
https://www.congress.gov/crec/2017/10/24/CREC-2017-10-24-pt1-PgS6661-2.pdf
News October 11, 2024
Jeff Flake endorses Kamala Harris for president
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2024/10/11/jeff-flake-endorses-kamala-harris/75606814007/
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