House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Wednesday that recent Democrat primary results show socialist candidates are gaining influence within the Democratic Party.

He warned that the movement represents a growing threat to the country's future.

"Last night made crystal clear that Zohran Mamdani, AOC, and Bernie Sanders have just taken full control of the Democrat Party, or what was left of it," Johnson said during the House Republican leadership press conference.

Johnson pointed to a series of Democrat candidates around the country as evidence of the party's direction, including candidates he said oppose the Pledge of Allegiance, support abolishing the border, seek to decriminalize transgender prostitution, and embrace other far-left positions.

"These radical candidates are self-described, self-identifying Marxists," Johnson said. "They want to fundamentally transform this country."

Johnson said the trend extends well beyond New York City's mayoral race and reflects a larger movement developing nationwide.

"You've been hearing me say for weeks. There are many mini Mamdani's popping up all around the country," Johnson said. "It is a dangerous thing. This is not a joke. We are in a fight right now to save the republic, and every American needs to take this seriously. You need to wake up."

Johnson also argued that many Democrat voters have become increasingly disconnected from the country's values and traditions.

"Sadly, many of these Democrat candidates and their voters just don't have the same zeal and affection for America," Johnson said. "They don't appreciate the freedom that we have in this country."

Johnson cited an NBC poll showing that 29% of Democrat voters surveyed said they are proud to be American.

"What happened to the Democrat Party?" Johnson asked.

Johnson said the same poll found the number was 90% two decades ago and noted that Republicans remain above 90%.

"Over half of Democrats now say they would rather live in another country," Johnson said.

Johnson contrasted those results with the reactions of foreign visitors attending World Cup events across the United States.

"People from Europe and Latin America, many countries around the world, many of whom grew up under repressive, state-controlled economies," Johnson said, "are getting a firsthand look at American freedom and opportunity."

"They're seeing for themselves the genius of America's system," he said. "A system that rewards risk takers and entrepreneurs and job creators and innovators, and people who create jobs for others and expand the economy and opportunity."

Johnson said visitors have shared their appreciation for American culture and everyday experiences, from visits to Buc-ee's and Waffle House to trips through the Everglades.

Johnson closed by highlighting Republican efforts to advance election integrity legislation, including the SAVE America Act.

"The President believes in election integrity," Johnson said. "We passed the SAVE America Act. This is very important. That is the top priority because if you do not have safe elections in this grand experiment in self-governance that we have in a constitutional republic, you don't have anything."

Johnson said House Republicans are exploring ways to include election integrity provisions in a third reconciliation package after the measure stalled in the Senate.

"House Republicans will put together a reconciliation bill, Reconciliation 3.0, that will have that," he said.