The Assembly Minority Conference today elected Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) as its next Minority Leader. The unanimous leadership vote was held Monday 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. “As a member of this Conference for nearly 16 years, I recognize the dedication and commitment Assembly Minority lawmakers 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 debate for the Conference. Ra is a member of the Minority Assembly Campaign Committee and also served as ranking Minority 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) said, “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. 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.