Long Island’s Ed Ra chosen as GOP leader of New York Assembly

GARDEN CITY – New York Republicans have chosen their new minority leader.

State Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Nassau) was elected in a unanimous vote by the Assembly Republican conference on Monday — after former Leader Will Barclay (R-Oswego) announced he would step down and not seek reelection.

Ra, of Garden City South in Nassau County, had served as ranking member of the powerful Assembly Ways and Means committee, playing a key role in the legislature’s budget process. 

“As a member of this Conference for nearly 16 years, I recognize the dedication and commitment Assembly Republicans bring to the job every day,” Ra wrote in a statement.

“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,” he added.

As part of his role on the Ways and Means Committee, Ra was a fixture during the weeks-long, grueling state budget hearings, where he often grilled state officials.

Last week, he interrogated MTA Chairman Janno Lieber about how much Gov. Kathy Hochul coughed up in congestion-pricing tolls last year — leaving the transit head fumbling to answer.

Barclay, who had served as the GOP leader since 2020, announced last week that he would not seek reelection and would step down to ensure a smooth transition.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx), not one to shower Republicans in compliments, spoke highly about his GOP counterpart at the Democrats’ nominating convention in Syracuse last Friday.

“I’m very sad to see Will Barclay retire,” Heastie said.

“I consider Will a great, great friend, but you know, in this life, people make personal decisions, so I 1,000% support his personal decision to move on,” Heastie said.

Barclay took over as leader after then-Leader Brian Kolb (R-Monroe) drove his car into a ditch drunk in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day in 2020.