House Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Republican congressional candidate Mike LiPetri on Friday, Aug. 21, during a campaign stop at the Embassy Diner, calling LiPetri a “hard-working guy” who would help Republicans maintain their majority in the House. Johnson joined LiPetri at the Nassau County diner as part of a campaign swing focused on competitive congressional races in New York. They were joined by Jeannie Driscoll, Hempstead receiver of taxes who is running for the U.S. House in New York’s 4th Congressional District, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor of New York and Texas congressional candidate and former World Series champion for the New York Yankees Mark Teixeira and Florida Rep. Aaron Bean. Johnson said New York will be central to Republicans’ efforts to retain control of the House in the November midterm elections, describing New York’s 3rd Congressional District as one of the country’s key swing districts. “This district is at the center of a pivotal midterm election,” Johnson said, according to remarks provided from the event. He predicted Republicans would maintain and expand their House majority and said LiPetri would be part of that effort. [caption id="attachment_370381" align="alignnone" width="525"] U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson endorsed Mike LiPetri for Congress. Larissa Fuentes[/caption] Johnson praised LiPetri’s background as a blue-collar candidate and pointed to his record in the state Assembly, particularly his positions on taxes, regulations and law enforcement. “He has stood by law enforcement. He has fought for lower taxes, lower regulations, and a better way of life,” Johnson said, adding that LiPetri would take those priorities to Washington. LiPetri, who is challenging Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in the 3rd Congressional District, framed his campaign around what he called common sense, economic opportunity and public safety. “It's about believing that our future is bright,” LiPetri said. “It's understanding what's on the ballot. It's recognizing how we have to have the principles of common sense triumph over chaos.” The event also highlighted Republican-backed tax policies, including provisions to eliminate federal taxes on tips and overtime and increase the state and local tax deduction cap. [caption id="attachment_370382" align="alignnone" width="700"] Jeannie Driscoll, Bruce Blakeman, Mike Johnson, Mike LiPetri and Aaron Bean at the Embassy Diner.Larissa Fuentes[/caption] The Embassy Diner’s owner praised the policies, saying the changes have benefited small businesses and restaurant workers. Johnson defended the Republican record on taxes, saying the party had fulfilled campaign promises by cutting taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security and providing tax benefits for small-business owners. “We're proud of that record,” Johnson said. “That's what we're running on. We did exactly what we said we were gonna do.” Johnson also emphasized New York's importance in the fight for House control. He said Republicans have a narrow path to maintaining their majority and identified several New York congressional districts as competitive. According to Johnson, the Cook Political Report projected 211 Republicans and 205 Democrats elected, leaving 19 seats considered competitive. He identified LiPetri’s district as one of those races Republicans are seeking to flip. Johnson repeatedly attacked Democrats, warning that what he described as the party’s shift toward socialism and Marxism would be a central issue for Republican voters. He said the election represented a choice between the Republican agenda and what he characterized as the policies of the Democratic Socialists of America. LiPetri echoed that message, saying the race was about protecting families, supporting law enforcement and creating communities that are “safe, secure and affordable.” The Suozzi campaign responded by criticizing LiPetri’s decision to campaign alongside Johnson. “MAGA Mike LiPetri is telling Long Island and Queens voters everything they need to know about him by inviting Speaker Mike Johnson to campaign for him,” said Kim Devlin, a spokesperson for Suozzi’s campaign. “Johnson and LiPietri 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.” Johnson also addressed the future of the SALT deduction, which is particularly significant for New York and New Jersey taxpayers. He credited members of the New York congressional delegation with helping secure an increase in the deduction cap and said Republicans would continue working on the issue. “There are extensions and deadlines on some of these cuts,” Johnson said. “And so that's why you have to elect new people to come in, to reinforce the troops, and make sure that they continue to fight for the state's interests.” The event came 75 days before the Nov. 3 election, with Johnson urging Republican voters to turn out. “Every single vote counts, especially in New York,” Johnson said.

LI Press

Message History

Delivery option(s)