Republicans moved quickly Wednesday to capitalize on a string of democratic socialist victories in New York primary races on Tuesday, saying the results underscore a leftward shift within the Democratic Party that could help energize GOP voters before the November midterm elections, Politico reported.

The sentiment came as Republicans seek to navigate political challenges stemming from concerns over the economy, cost-of-living pressures, and the political fallout from the recent conflict with Iran. 

During a closed-door meeting of House Republicans on Wednesday, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson told lawmakers that the victories by candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented an opportunity for the GOP to draw a stark contrast with Democrats in competitive races. 

"Democrats have a Bolshevik revolution going on in their primaries," said Hudson, a North Carolina Republican, according to three people familiar with the meeting who were granted anonymity to discuss the private remarks. 

The comments came after several progressive and democratic socialist candidates scored upset victories in New York primary contests, reinforcing the growing influence of the party's left wing in one of the nation's largest Democrat strongholds. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson also addressed lawmakers during the meeting, portraying the election as a pivotal moment and urging Republicans to increase fundraising and campaign efforts in the months ahead. 

According to people in the room, Johnson warned of what he described as a rise in "radical" left-wing politics and called on the GOP to unite behind efforts to defeat Democratic candidates this fall. His remarks reportedly drew a standing ovation from members. 

Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., said Johnson framed the stakes in ideological terms, saying in an interview after the meeting that "he made very clear we are in a historical position to stop this American slide into Marxism." 

Hudson also argued that the primary results would likely push House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and other Democrat leaders further to the left politically, making bipartisan cooperation less likely. 

Republicans outside the House conference echoed similar themes throughout the day. 

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, said the New York results should serve as a warning to conservatives nationwide.

"The lesson is clear: if Republicans don't act now, we will lose this country as we know it," Moreno wrote on X. "We need to be clear about what we stand for. Closed borders, secure elections, economic prosperity for all Americans and, most of all, proudly protecting the American way of life against socialism. It’s the only way to save our country."