GOP Sen. Says It's 'Inevitable' That a Future Republican Presidential Candidate Will Back Gay Marriage

Kevin Coyne of Washington holds flags in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, Wednesday, March 27, 2013. (AP)

Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake said Sunday it's "inevitable" that a future GOP presidential candidate will support same-sex marriage.

"I think that’s inevitable. There will be one and I think he'll receive Republican support — or she will. So I think that yes, the answer is yes," Flake said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Ohio Sen. Rob Portman became the first Republican senator to declare his support for same-sex marriage when he announced earlier this month that he had reversed his position after his son came out as gay. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski said last week her views were "evolving" -- the same term President Barack Obama used before ultimately coming out in favor.

Flake said he personally still holds to the traditional definition of marriage, though he supported the repeal of the now-defunct "don't ask, don't tell" ban on openly gay service members.