WASHINGTON _ Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2018, declaring he needs political independence to criticize President Donald Trump.
"I have children and grandchildren to answer to, and so Mr. President, I will not be complicit or silent," Flake declared in a dramatic Senate speech.
"I rise today to say enough," Flake said. "The conduct from the top of government is dangerous to our democracy. ... We did not become great by calling true things fake."
Flake was already involved in a sharp battle with Trump that had prompted a Republican challenger to enter the race against him.
Earlier, Flake told the Arizona Republic about his plan to serve out the remainder of his term but avoid a re-election campaign.
"There may not be a place for a Republican like me in the current Republican climate or the current Republican Party," Flake told the newspaper.
Flake had been beset from both sides as he sought reelection: from Republicans loyal to Trump who resented his criticism of the commander in chief, and from Democrats angered by his votes for Trump's policy desires.
"This spell will pass, but not by next year," Flake told the Republic.
