Sen. Flake: “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.”

Atlanta, Ga. — Today, former Republican U.S. Senator Jeff Flake endorsed Senator Jon Ossoff for re-election. 

During an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Flake cited that Sen. Ossoff’s “character, constituent work and respect for the institution outweigh their policy differences.” In citing concerns about Sen. Ossoff’s opponent, Mike Collins, Flake acknowledged he was “troubled by the Republican’s refusal to recognize Biden’s 2020 victory.” 

In recent weeks, Collins has faced scrutiny over a number of controversies, including his ties to white nationalism, which has led to growing concerns about Collins’ candidacy coming from within his own party. 

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Former GOP Sen. Jeff Flake backs Jon Ossoff, saying ‘character matters’
By Greg Bluestein | August 4, 2026

KEY EXCERPTS: 

• U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff picked up a high-profile endorsement Tuesday from former U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake […] 

• Flake said he still disagrees with Ossoff on key policy issues. But in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he said character outweighed those partisan differences.

• “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,” Flake said.
  
• The endorsement comes as Republican nominee U.S. Rep. Mike Collins faces questions about whether he can broaden his appeal beyond the MAGA voters who helped him win the nomination. And it gives Ossoff a prominent GOP ally as he courts swing voters in one of the nation’s most competitive Senate contests. […]
  
• Flake told the AJC that his disagreements over Ossoff’s voting record on Democratic priorities, including “economic issues and some social policy,” did not outweigh his respect for his approach to the Senate and his reputation for constituent services.
  
• “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,” said Flake, adding: “I compare that to somebody who will likely go back and just be a rubber stamp for whatever the president wants.”
  
• He said his support for Ossoff was more an endorsement of the Democrat than a rejection of Collins, though he said he was troubled by the Republican’s refusal to recognize Biden’s 2020 victory. […]
  
• He also appealed to the swing voters who helped elect Gov. Brian Kemp but remain undecided in the Senate race. Flake said Ossoff is “where most Georgians are” on major issues and contrasted him with Collins, saying Republicans risk repeating mistakes made in his home state.

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