Speaker Johnson slams Suozzi as Marxist as he stumps for LiPetri on Long Island

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 advantag...