Speaker Mike Johnson headed out east Friday to headline a lively fundraiser for Republican congressional hopeful Mike LiPetri — and slammed incumbent Rep. Tom Suozzi as part of the “Marxist crazy left Democrats” trying to take over the House.
The daytime event at the festive Embassy Diner also drew Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor — but former Yankees star Mark Teixeira, who had been billed for the event, was a no-show.
LiPetri boasted that his campaign has “momentum” as he seeks to unseat Suozzi in CD 3, spanning parts of Nassau and Suffolk counties and 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.”
Johnson during his speech repeatedly linked Suozzi to what he called a growing “communist” takeover of the Democratic Party — as waiters brought out lobster-laden trays for attendees at the packed, family-oriented booster.
“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 criticized Suozzi over his support of allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports and raising the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap and for calling on 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.
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