House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled east Friday to headline a spirited fundraiser for Republican congressional candidate Mike LiPetri, using the appearance to take aim at incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi and cast him as aligned with what Johnson called the “Marxist crazy left Democrats” seeking control of the House.
The daytime gathering, held at the bustling and festive Embassy Diner, also brought out Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor. Former Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who had been promoted as a guest for the event, did not attend.
LiPetri said his campaign is gaining “momentum” as he works to defeat Suozzi in New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes portions of Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as Queens.
“The momentum is with us. The winds are behind us and ready to push us forward to win this seat come November 3,” LiPetri told The Post.
“You’re seeing socialism poison the Democratic Party. And what’s even more frightening is Democrats like my opponent, who will do exactly what they say and say nothing to stand up to them.”
During his remarks, Johnson repeatedly sought to tie Suozzi to what he described as an expanding “communist” influence inside the Democratic Party, speaking as waiters carried out lobster-filled trays for guests at the packed, family-friendly fundraiser.
“The Democrat party is being overtaken by communists,” Johnson said. “There is a Marxist element you see happening in New York as clearly as anywhere else.”
Johnson also criticized Suozzi for backing policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, supporting an increase to the state and local tax deduction cap known as SALT, and calling for a ban on congressional stock trading.
He argued that Republicans must defend their House majority, warning that Democrats would undo GOP accomplishments if they retake the chamber.
“New York is at the center of this strategy,” Johnson said. “We have to hold the majority because the stakes are so high. This is a contrast election.”
LiPetri narrowly lost to Suozzi in 2024, failing by about 3 points.
Johnson said Republicans have a slight fundraising advantage over Democrats for the first time in a decade, though he acknowledged the party faces difficult historical odds in a blue state during a midterm election.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance have also made stops on Long Island this summer to boost LiPetri’s campaign.
Blakeman used his remarks Friday to attack his opponent Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling them “comrades” and accusing them of promoting dangerous policies.
“We are living in the most overtaxed state in America,” Blakeman railed. “And now she has a new buddy, Zohran Mamdani, and now we call her Comrade Kathy. She endorsed him. He endorsed her.”
“The Speaker’s right,” Blakeman went on, “These people are dangerous. They’re dangerous people. They’re antisemitic. They’re anti-Christian. They’re anti-American.”
Suozzi campaign spokesperson Kim Devlin said LiPetri’s decision to campaign with Johnson underscored that he would be a “rubber stamp” for President Trump’s policies if LePetri makes it to Washington.
“Johnson and LiPetri would simply be rubber stamps in Washington, backing the president’s irresponsible tariffs and reckless war in Iran that are driving up the cost of gas, groceries and housing,” Devlin said.
Hochul’s campaign also slammed Blakeman.
“He’s making crystal clear once again that he’s fully on board with Washington Republicans’ harmful MAGA agenda, by campaigning today with House Speaker Mike Johnson,” a rep said.
