Full Breakdown
Former GOP Senator Jeff Flake Endorses Democrat Jon Ossoff, Citing Character Over Policy
8/5/2026, 8:13:21 PM
Jeff Flake Endorses Jon Ossoff
Former Republican U.S. Senator and former U.S. ambassador Jeff Flake announced his endorsement of incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the 2026 Georgia Senate race. Flake said his support is based on Ossoff’s “character” and respect for the Senate institution, even though he disagrees with the Democrat on many policy issues. The endorsement arrives as Ossoff’s Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, faces scrutiny over alleged extremist ties and an ongoing House ethics investigation.
Flake’s Conservative Record and Break with Trump
Flake’s political history includes votes for immigration reform and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He opposed President Donald Trump on multiple occasions, declined to run for Senate reelection in 2022, and later served as ambassador to Turkey under the Biden administration. In recent commentary, Flake has described Trump as “out of touch” and warned of a substantial GOP migration in the 2026 midterms.
Polling Landscape in Georgia
Early polling shows Ossoff holding a lead over Collins. AARP data reports Ossoff at 52 % versus Collins at 43 % among likely voters. A Fox News poll conducted at the end of June places Ossoff at 56 % support. The Center for Politics “Crystal Ball” rates Georgia as a “likely Democratic” win in the midterms, noting that older voters—many of whom previously voted Republican—are shifting away from Collins.
Official Statements & Responses
Flake told the *Atlanta Journal-Constitution* that “character matters” and that he wants a senator who will “protect the institution.” Ossoff thanked Flake, calling his support “statesmanship” and emphasizing a coalition of Republicans and independents to defeat what he described as a “scandal-plagued Trump puppet.” Conservative talk-radio host Shelley Winters also endorsed Ossoff, stating she would switch her vote if the Republican primary runoff produced a candidate she deemed unacceptable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m still a conservative Republican. But character matters. And I want someone in that seat who takes the institution seriously and will protect the institution,” — Jeff Flake, senator and ambassador
- “Character is more important. I've been around long enough to know that you'll disagree on issues with people across the aisle, or sometimes in your party. But the more important thing is character,” — Jeff Flake, senator and ambassador
- “I'm deeply grateful for Sen. Flake's support, statesmanship, and public service. He's right: character matters, and our coalition to defeat the scandal-plagued Trump puppet and bigot Mike Collins includes many Republicans and independents,” — Sen. Jon Ossoff, nothing from senator
- “I'm here to tell you live on the radio that I am Team Ossoff for the rest of the summer and I will do everything I can possible on this show to get you re-elected,” — Wynter
