(The Center Square) — New York Assembly Republicans have tapped a Long Island lawmaker to take over the minority party’s leadership in the lower chamber.
The Assembly Republican conference voted unanimously on Monday to appoint Edward Ra, R-Garden City, to lead the 47-member minority caucus as it prepares to push back on Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s election-year legislative agenda.
He replaces Minority Leader William Barclay, a Pulaski Republican, who announced last week he is stepping down from the leadership post and won’t not seek reelection this year.
Ra, 44, represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes parts of the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay in Nassau County. He was first elected in 2010. He has served as ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, which crafts the state budget. He also previously served as assistant minority leader pro tempore.
“As a member of this conference for nearly 16 years, I recognize the dedication and commitment Assembly Republicans bring to the job every day,” Ra said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside each of them as we continue fighting for responsible government, affordability, public safety and a better New York for everyone who lives here and visits our great state.”
Ra is the first Long Island Republican to be appointed conference leader in the state Assembly in more than five decades. Republicans lost control of the Assembly in the 1970s and have yet to regain it.
Barclay, who has served as the party’s minority leader since 2020, congratulated Ra on his election as successor and wished him “great success” guiding the GOP minority conference.
“He’s been a trusted friend and colleague who represents the best of what it means to be a public servant,” Barclay said in a statement. “Ed is among the most respected members of the Legislature, and his track record of hard work, intelligence and commitment to our Conference will serve him well as Minority Leader.”
“Congratulations to Edward Ra on his election as Assembly Republican Leader!” the New York Republican Party wrote on X. “Ed has been a tireless champion for our Republican values and will continue to be as Leader.”
Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Hestie also congratulated Ra on his election as minority leader.
“He is a dedicated public servant who has served admirably as the ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee and led thoughtful debate in his previous role as minority leader pro tempore,” Hestie said in a statement. ” I look forward to working together with him to lead our conferences to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”
