WATCH: Pennsylvania sheriff switches to Republican because of Democrats’ socialist lockdown measures

When asked why he chose to switch his party allegiance, Custer told FOX News that his decision was made because of "the shift in ideals of the current Democrat Party at the national level, the socialist agenda, and this is something that I had been considering for several months."

Custer told the network that he began considering switching parties when lockdowns began.

The sheriff further described the lockdowns as "unconstitutional."

"As the sheriff, it is my duty as a constitutional sheriff, to protect and serve, uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States," Custer argued. He suggested that it is therefore his duty to oppose "these unconstitutional mandates being brought down on our citizens and being able to protect their rights and freedoms under the Constitution."

Custer said that he has received widespread support for his decision to shift allegiances in his county of Fayette. He commented that he endorsed Donald Trump in the 2020 election, which his county voted for by a 2-1 ratio, after Democrats began to embrace the "defund the police" movement, which he said was "not what I signed up for."