Ra Tapped to Lead New York Assembly GOP

Long Island Lawmaker Appointed as Minority Leader in Lower Chamber

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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New York Assembly Republicans have unanimously voted to appoint Edward Ra, R-Garden City, as the new minority leader in the lower chamber. Ra, a 44-year-old lawmaker who has served in the Assembly since 2010, will replace outgoing Minority Leader William Barclay and lead the 47-member Republican conference as it prepares to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul's legislative agenda.

Why it matters

Ra's appointment as Assembly Republican leader marks the first time a Long Island Republican has held the position in over 50 years. The GOP has struggled to regain control of the Assembly since losing it in the 1970s, and Ra's leadership will be crucial as the party seeks to push back against the Democratic majority and influence the state's policy agenda.

The details

Ra has served in the Assembly since 2010, representing the 19th District which includes parts of Nassau County. He has previously served as the ranking member of the powerful Assembly Ways and Means Committee, which crafts the state budget. Ra was also previously the assistant minority leader pro tempore. In his new role, Ra will lead the 47-member Republican conference as it seeks to challenge the Democratic agenda of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

  • On Monday, February 12, 2026, the Assembly Republican conference voted unanimously to appoint Edward Ra as the new minority leader.
  • Ra will replace outgoing Minority Leader William Barclay, who announced last week that he is stepping down from the leadership post and will not seek reelection this year.

The players

Edward Ra

A 44-year-old Republican lawmaker who has represented the 19th Assembly District in Nassau County since 2010. Ra was unanimously elected as the new minority leader of the 47-member Assembly Republican conference.

William Barclay

The outgoing minority leader of the Assembly Republican conference, who announced last week that he is stepping down from the leadership post and will not seek reelection this year.

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York, whose election-year legislative agenda the new Assembly Republican leadership under Ra will seek to challenge.

Carl Hestie

The Democratic speaker of the New York State Assembly, who congratulated Ra on his election as minority leader and said he looks forward to working with him.

New York Republican Party

The state Republican party organization that congratulated Ra on his election as Assembly Republican leader.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Edward Ra

“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.”

— William Barclay, Outgoing Minority Leader

“Congratulations to Edward Ra on his election as Assembly Republican Leader! Ed has been a tireless champion for our Republican values and will continue to be as Leader.”

— New York Republican Party (X)

“He is 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.”

— Carl Hestie, Democratic Assembly Speaker

What’s next

The new Assembly Republican leadership under Ra will now work to challenge the Democratic agenda of Gov. Kathy Hochul and influence the state's policy priorities.

The takeaway

Ra's appointment as the first Long Island Republican to lead the Assembly GOP in over 50 years highlights the party's ongoing struggle to regain control of the lower chamber. His leadership will be crucial as the Republicans seek to push back against the Democratic majority and shape the state's legislative landscape.