Former Virginia Sen. John Warner, a Republican, is supporting Democratic candidate Leslie Cockburn, who is vying to represent Virginia's 5th District in the House.

Warner appeared with Cockburn and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., at a fundraiser at Kinloch Farm in The Plains Saturday, according to the Fauquier Times. Warner discussed why he's publicly backing Cockburn over her Republican opponent, Denver Riggleman.

"I’m still a Republican. I’m going to tell this gang, I’m still a Republican,” Warner said. “You can’t take that away from me. But you’ve got to have the courage to do what’s right for the country and what’s right for your state.”

Cockburn has faced widespread criticism for her views on Israel. Republicans have charged that she "has a long history of anti-Semitic rhetoric which can be documented over at least the past 25 years" — something she has denied as a baseless smear.

Warner complimented Cockburn's position on healthcare, gun laws, and education.While acknowledging the changing political climate in Virginia, Warner stated the state is still fundamentally conservative.

Warner previously endorsed Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. in his race against GOP nominee Corey Stewart in September.