Fitzpatrick says he would drop GOP label if not for Pennsylvania’s closed primary system

Published April 24, 2026 4:42pm ET | Updated April 24, 2026 4:42pm ET



Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) said he would drop his GOP party label and register as an independent if Pennsylvania were not a closed primary state.

“I registered Republican when I was 18 because I liked Reagan, I still like Reagan,” Fitzpatrick said in an interview with Punchbowl News. “I’ve, over the years, even before I got here, have sort of rejected the two-party system. I really don’t believe in it. I think it’s so incredibly divisive.”

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