By Hank Russell
The Assembly Minority Conference elected Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) as its next Minority Leader. The unanimous leadership vote was held on February 9 at the State Capitol. He succeeds Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), who is stepping down.
Ra assumes the role of Minority Leader after serving as the conference’s ranking member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee since 2020, where he led the review, analysis and debate of New York’s state budget.
“I am profoundly grateful for the trust and support my colleagues have placed in me and I’m excited for what’s ahead,” Ra said. “As a member of this Conference for nearly 16 years, I recognize the dedication and commitment Assembly Republicans bring to the job every day. 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.”
First elected in 2010, Ra represents the 19th Assembly District, which includes parts of the towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead in Nassau County. He previously served as assistant minority leader pro tempore, coordinating and leading floor debate for the Conference. Ra is a member of the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee and also served as ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee, where he fought against the state’s over-reliance on standardized testing and became a leading advocate for students with special needs.
“I congratulate Ed Ra on his election as the next Assembly Minority Leader,” Barclay said. “He’s been a trusted friend and colleague who represents the best of what it means to be a public servant. 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. I wish him great success in guiding the Conference forward.”
Prior to his election to the Assembly, Ra served as a deputy town attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aide in the Office of the New York State Attorney General.
Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (D-Bronx) called Ra “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. I look forward to working together with him to lead our conferences to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”
Members of the Long Island delegation congratulated Ra on his new position.
“Ed brings a clear-eyed understanding of how state policies impact local communities at home on Long Island, and he has consistently approached his work with dignity, professionalism and respect for the institution,” said Keith Brown (R,C-Northport). “Leadership in Albany requires more than titles; it requires the ability to listen, build trust and keep the focus on results. Ed has demonstrated those qualities throughout his time in the Assembly as the Ranker of the Ways and Means Committee, and I am confident he will lead our Conference with discipline and purpose during a time when New Yorkers are demanding accountability and affordability.
“Ed understands firsthand the challenges Long Island families face from the nation-leading property tax burden to rising utility and commuting costs and brings a strong work ethic, practical approach and deep understanding of fiscal policy to this role,” Daniel Norber (R,C-Great Neck). “His leadership will help keep our Conference focused on real solutions that matter to Nassau County residents: affordability, public safety and protecting the suburban quality of life. I look forward to partnering with Leader Ra to deliver results that ease the cost of living and ensure our communities remain safe, strong and a great place to raise a family.”