The Assembly Minority Conference today elected Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) as its next minority leader.
The unanimous leadership vote was held this morning at the State Capitol.
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 in a press release.
“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 debates 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.
Former Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C–Pulaski), who announced last Thursday he would not be seeking re-election for 120th Disctrict seat, wished the best for Ra.
“I congratulate Ed Ra on his election as the next Assembly minority leader. He’s been a trusted friend and colleague who represents the best of what it means to be a public servant,” he 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. 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.
He resides in Garden City South with his wife, Laura, and their shelter dog, Carter.
Matt Simpson (R-Lake George), who represents the 114th Assembly District, which includes parts of Warren, Essex, Washington and Saratoga counties, as well as the town of Northampton in Fulton County, looks forward to having Ra at the helm of the Assembly Minority Conference.
“As the longtime ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee, Ed has been a strong voice for taxpayers, holding the line against wasteful spending and advocating for policies that make our state more affordable,” Simpson said in a statement. “I look forward to working closely with him to advance common-sense solutions that put families first and restore balance in Albany.
“Ed’s leadership will be a steady hand for our Conference. I’m grateful for his service to date and excited about what we can accomplish in the days ahead.”