Thursday, October 22, 2026
State Assemblyman Ed Ra is seeking re-election in the 19th Assembly District, emphasizing education, infrastructure, affordability and community issues in his campaign for another term in Albany.
Ra, 44, a Republican who was first elected in 2010, became leader of the Assembly’s minority conference in February. His role, he said, involves working with organizations and residents to address their concerns through legislation and other work in Albany.
“The Assembly is really a great intersection of public service, which I love, and public policy,” Ra said.
He added that he regularly works with civic associations, school districts, libraries and fire departments. He also helps organizations pursue grants, equipment and other resources.
Among his priorities is the state’s energy policy. New York, Ra said, needs a broader mix of energy sources and additional supply to address costs.
He also wants to continue focusing on education, especially special education and career and technical education. He highlighted the Henry Viscardi School, which serves students with disabilities, as an institution he has helped fund. He also pointed to an increase in the BOCES salary cap as an effort that could help school districts send students to career and technical programs.
When it comes to special education, however, Ra said, the state’s school aid formula does not adequately account for the range of needs among students in those programs, and he believes changes are needed.
Infrastructure remains a priority as well, particularly the replacement of lead service lines. More residents, he said, are learning they may be responsible for replacing portions of lead service lines between their curbs and their homes, which can be costly.
While campaigning, Ra said that residents have raised concerns about taxes, the cost of living and public safety. His office also helps them navigate local issues like traffic by connecting them with the appropriate officials.
Affordability remains crucial, especially for seniors and first-time homebuyers, Ra said. He pointed to previous work increasing the income threshold for the senior property-tax exemption, as well as a proposal for an exemption for first-time homebuyers.
Ra has also prioritized veterans’ mental health and homelessness, particularly among younger veterans. Veterans’ organizations, he said, need help with capital improvements such as roofs and parking lots.
“All those organizations are going to be gone if they don’t find a way to get the young veterans engaged with them,” he said.
Although Ra serves in the Assembly minority, he said his relationships with colleagues across party lines have given him a chance to work on issues including child care, education and senior tax policy. “I reject the premise that, ‘Oh, you’re a Republican, you can’t get anything done,’” he said. “I have the relationships and respect of my colleagues who work on issues and get things done despite being in the minority party.”
His experience and relationships in Albany, Ra said, are part of what he brings to the campaign. “I feel like I’m very well respected on the Democratic side of the aisle,” he said. “It’s about getting the thing done and working with colleagues on the other side of the aisle.”
