Saying 'enough is enough,' Arizona Senator Jeff Flake announced he will not seek re-election in 2018. Flake added on the Senate Floor, 'it is clear at this moment that a traditional conservative who believes in limited government and free markets, who is devoted to free trade who is pro-immigration has a narrower and narrower path to nomination in the Republican Party.'
Flake, an Arizona native, will serve until January when his term ends.
He took some shots at both President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans in his speech. 'We must be unafraid to stand up and speak out as if our country depends on it because it does,' Flake said, adding he plans on doing that until his term is up.
The Senator also said he believes President Trump's behavior is 'dangerous to our democracy.'
This was already going to be one of the most watched Senate races in the nation. Now, with Flake not seeking re-election, his absence could potentially open up the race for more Republicans to jump in and take on former State Senator, Dr. Kelli Ward. Congresswoman Krysten Sinema is seeking the seat as a Democrat.