Rep. Fitzpatrick Bashes Two-Party System, Will Stay Republican

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, told interviewers last week that the American two-party system as “incredibly divisive” and said he would register as an independent if Pennsylvania law allowed him to do so without losing his primary voting rights.

In an interview with Punchbowl News’ “Fly Out Day” podcast, the five-term congressman from Middletown Township cited George Washington’s 1796 farewell address as a warning against the current political climate.

“I really don’t believe in it,” Fitzpatrick said of the two-party system he was elected under. “I have real disdain for ideologues and partisans. It is so ignorant to subscribe to a party.”

Despite his criticisms, Fitzpatrick remains a Republican and is running under that banner in the First Congressional District, which makes up all of Bucks County and a portion of Montgomery County.

“You register independent … and in half of the states in this country, you’re told you cannot vote in one out of every two elections,” Fitzpatrick said. “I don’t want to forfeit your right to vote at 50 percent of elections.”

Fitzpatrick, who represents the First Congressional District that Vice President Kamala Harris carried over President Donald Trump in 2024, said he votes on legislation without care for “hat party, what president, what party leader supports it or opposes it.” Although, his Democratic opponents would disagree.

The congressman highlighted his work on a congressional stock trading ban with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, and others as “the most refreshing experience” of his tenure. The bill has not moved forward.

Fitzpatrick called Gov. Josh Shapiro a “good man” and a friend who should run for president. He added that Shapiro is invited to his wedding to Fox News Channel correspondent Jacqui Heinrich.

The congressman defended Democratic U.S. Sen. John Fetterman against recent partisan attacks, describing him as a “good, effective senator.”

On policy, Fitzpatrick expressed frustration with the lack of progress on healthcare. He specifically cited the Hyde Amendment as a primary “hang up” that stalled bipartisan efforts to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies following meetings with senators.

Fitzpatrick, who has won all five of his elections and received a phone endorsement by Trump in 2020, said his success in a so-called ‘purple district’ stems from following the advice of his brother, the late former Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick.

“Reflect their voice on the floor,” Fitzpatrick said. “Not your personal voice, but their voice on the floor.”

Democratic candidates Bob Harvie and Lucia Simonelli are facing off in their party’s primary in May. They both aim run against Fitzpatrick in the general election in a year where Republicans are worried about keeping seats in Congress.

“Democrats’ path back to the House majority runs straight through communities likes Bucks and Montgomery counties, who are tired of career politicians like Brian Fitzpatrick selling them out in Washington and making their lives unaffordable,” said Eli Cousin, Mid-Atlantic regional press secretary for DCCC. “Fitzpatrick won’t stand up to Trump when it matters most. He won’t hold a town hall to hear from his constituents face-to-face.”