Republican senators heaped praise on Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., after he announced Tuesday he will not run for re-election in 2018, and lamented the impact his retirement will have on the Senate in years to come.
Flake, who served seven terms in the House before he was elected to the Senate in 2012, announced his decision to retire at the end of his term next year first in an interview with the Arizona Republic, and then in a floor speech Tuesday afternoon.
Immediately following Flake’s remarks on the Senate floor, his fellow Arizona senator, John McCain, praised Flake for standing up for his beliefs despite knowing “there would be a political price to pay.”
“It’s very hard for me to add to the eloquence of my friend, from my dear friend from Arizona,” McCain said, referencing Flake’s speech. “But I do want to say that it’s been one of the great honors of my life to have the opportunity to serve with a man of integrity and honor and decency and commitment to not only Arizona, but the United States of America.”
“I have seen Jeff Flake stand up for what he believes in knowing full well that there would be a political price to pay,” McCain continued. “I have seen him stand up for his family. I’ve seen him stand up for his forbearers who were the early settlers of the state of Arizona.”
Several GOP senators, including McCain, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., were on the Senate floor for Flake’s remarks. After he concluded, McConnell, R-Ky., thanked Flake for working alongside his GOP colleagues to achieve a “constructive outcome” on a host of issues.
“We’ve just witnessed a speech from a very fine man, a man who clearly brings high principles to the office every day, and does what he believes is in the best interest of Arizona and the country,” the majority leader said.
“I’m grateful that the senator from Arizona will be here for another year and a half. We have big things to try to accomplish for the American people. From my perspective, the senator from Arizona has been a great team player, always trying to get a constructive outcome no matter what the issue before us.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said on Twitter he believes Flake will continue to play an important role even after he leaves the Senate.
“I’m very saddened and disappointed to hear that @JeffFlake is retiring from the Senate. Jeff is one of the smartest, most independent-minded senators in the Republican conference,” Graham tweeted. “His retirement will be a great loss to the body. @JeffFlake is a good man who will continue to make contributions to our nation and the conservative cause for years to come.”
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., echoed Graham’s comments.
“I have no doubt he will continue to be an important voice in policy and public service going forward,” Gardner told reporters.
When asked if he believed the Republicans would be able to hold on to Flake’s seat, Gardner said it was “no question.”
“It’s a Republican state,” he said. “It’s a focus of ours to make sure it remains that way.”
Kelli Ward launched a primary challenge to Flake before he announced his retirement, and other Republicans are expected to join the race.
The winner of next year’s Republican primary could face off against Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, who announced in September she would run for Flake’s seat.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Flake told her he wouldn’t run for re-election via text message before he delivered his speech on the Senate floor, and praised her colleague’s character.
“He’s been a tremendous friend,” she said. “He is a leader of great intelligence and the utmost integrity. The Senate will be a lesser place without his service.”
Reporters Kimberly Leonard and Laura Barron-Lopez contributed to this report.
