By Hank Russell
With the 2025 legislative session starting up, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) has given out conference leadership posts and committee assignments to GOP Assembly members. The Long Island Assembly members were among those who received their new positions.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of my colleagues to the 2025 leadership team and committee rankers,” Barclay said. “It is an experienced group of legislators eager to work in collaboration to advance a legislative agenda focused on strengthening our state’s economy, improving public safety and advocating for a more affordable place to live. I’m excited about the opportunities in front of us in 2025 and confident that together we will deliver for our constituents.”
Edward Ra (R-Franklin Square) has been named as the Ranking Minority Member of the Ways and Means Committee. The Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore assignment went to Jarret Gandolfo (R-Bayport). He replaces Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston), who was appointed Minority Leader Pro Tempore.
“I am truly honored that Minority Leader Barclay has entrusted me to serve our conference in this new role,” said Gandolfo. “We are at a critical juncture in our state, as more and more New Yorkers are realizing that the status quo just isn’t working. I look forward to advocating for the common sense values of our conference that will make New York a better place for all.”
Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) will chair the Program Committee, with Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) as the vice-chair. David McDonough (R-Bellmore) was named chairman of the Joint Conference Committee.
For committee assignments, Keith Brown (R,C,-Northport) was assigned to the Alcoholism Committee. John Mikulin (R-East Meadow) and Doug Smith (R-Ronkonkoma) were named to the Consumer Affairs and Education Committees, respectively.
The Government Employees Committee assignment went to Joe DeStefano (R-Medford) and Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) was assigned to the Labor Committee. The Local Governments Committee assignment was given to Ari Brown (R-Cedarhurst). Giglio was assigned to the People with Disabilities Committee.
Rounding out the list, Jake Blumencranz (R-Hicksville) received an assignment to the Science & Technology Committee and newly elected Assemblyman Daniel Norber (R,C-Great Neck) — who defeated Democrat incumbent Gina Sillitti — was assigned to the Small Business Committee.
“As a first-generation American, I hope to bring a unique perspective shaped by resilience, hard work and service to our great state,” Norber said. “I look forward to working with all my colleagues to advance policies that prioritize safer communities, affordable education and opportunities for all New Yorkers.”