Republican state Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson, embroiled in a leadership fight among the minority members of the state House, on Monday announced he was switching parties as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming legislative session.

Johanson said he felt it was becoming more difficult to act in a bipartisan fashion as a member of the GOP caucus.

"Because I think many in the local Republican party are becoming more narrow in their demand for ideological purity as well as in their demand for a combative tone and posture, I have decided to switch parties," Johanson (Fort Shafter-Moanalua Gardens-Aliamanu) said at a news conference fronting the Queen Liliuokalani statute on the grounds of the state Capitol.

He was flanked by members of the Democratic leadership in the Legislature.

State GOP Chairwoman Pat Saiki said she was disappointed in Johanson’s decision.

The switch leaves Republicans with seven members – the same number as before the November elections.