Thursday, October 1, 2026
The State Assembly minority conference has a new leader, and if you haven’t heard the news yet, I’m honored to share that my colleagues have unanimously chosen me to serve in that role. After nearly 16 years as an assemblyman, I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to lead our conference into this next chapter. As minority leader, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to deliver real results for New Yorkers throughout the state.
This role is tremendously meaningful to me on both a professional and personal level. Leadership is never a solo endeavor, and I wouldn’t be here without the support of my friends and family, especially my wife, Laura. She has been with me through every campaign, starting with my very first election to college student government. We’ve been together for 24 years and married for 15. Laura’s patience and belief in me have made my work as a public servant possible.
There’s nothing more humbling than having a group of dedicated people like Assembly Republicans entrusting me to lead our conference going forward. It’s an honor to be part of this group, and I’m aiming to live up to the trust and faith they have placed in me. My predecessor, Will Barclay, and Speaker Carly Heastie have demonstrated how leaders should interact with respect and professionalism — how government should work. I intend to uphold that same standard of civility and collaboration as we tackle the serious challenges facing our state.
I would be remiss not to recognize Barclay’s outstanding leadership, and I will be endlessly grateful to him for his mentorship and friendship. Since 2020 he has led our conference with integrity while earning the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, a rare achievement in Albany. I hope to continue to lead with that same cordiality. Our conference is united, and we will continue building on the strong foundation he established.
While leadership may change, our mission does not. Assembly Republicans have long been at the forefront of fighting for affordability, public safety, reliable energy and fiscal responsibility, and that will remain our focus. New York has been governed by one-party rule for the better part of a decade. It’s no surprise that people are looking for a change.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approach to affordability has largely been to spend more taxpayer dollars, but New Yorkers know that more spending hasn’t translated to lower costs or a better quality of life. We have the worst business climate in the country, and we’re one of the least affordable states. If history has taught us anything, it’s that no amount of additional spending will solve the affordability crisis.
There are many issues where Republicans and Democrats can, and should, work together for the public good. When we agree, we’ll partner in good faith. When we disagree, we won’t hesitate to speak up clearly and loudly on behalf of the people we represent.
My path to this role has been shaped by a wide range of experiences in public service. I began my career as a deputy attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aide in the state attorney general’s office. Since joining the Assembly in 2010, I’ve had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles, including assistant minority leader pro tempore, where I coordinated and led floor debate for our conference. I’ve also served as ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee, where I fought against the state’s over-reliance on standardized testing and became a leading advocate for students with special needs. Most recently, since 2020, I’ve been the conference’s ranking member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, leading the review, analysis and debate of the state budget.
As I take on this new role, my commitment to Long Island and the communities I represent — my home — remains unchanged. Serving as minority leader does not replace my responsibility to my district; it only strengthens it. I am eager for the challenge ahead, and deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. This is a new chapter, and I’m ready to get to work.
Ed Ra, of Franklin Square, represents the 19th Assembly District and is the Assembly’s minority leader.
