Sen. Jeff Flake Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeJeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 Republican former Michigan governor says he's voting for Biden Maybe they just don't like cowboys: The president is successful, some just don't like his style MORE (R-Ariz.) is telling fellow Republicans in the Western U.S. to distance themselves from Donald Trump Donald John TrumpBiden leads Trump by 36 points nationally among Latinos: poll Trump dismisses climate change role in fires, says Newsom needs to manage forest better Jimmy Kimmel hits Trump for rallies while hosting Emmy Awards MORE if they want a future in politics.

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Asked how fellow Republicans could win election to statewide office in the West, Flake on Friday told The New York Times: "Distance yourself from Donald Trump."

"That's difficult. But I think you've got to do it if we're concerned not just about this election but elections to come," he added.

Otherwise, Flake said, "this will last decades."

Flake, a frequent critic of the Republican presidential nominee, has refused to endorse Trump, saying he would hurt the party.

"As of now, unless he changes significantly, I can't see myself voting for Donald Trump," Flake said in June.