State Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Nassau) was unanimously elected Monday by the Assembly Republican conference to serve as its new leader, following the announcement by former Minority Leader Will Barclay (R-Oswego) that he would step down and not seek reelection.

Ra, who represents Garden City South in Nassau County, previously served as the ranking Republican on the influential Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where he played a significant role in shaping and scrutinizing the state budget.

In a statement, Ra reflected on his nearly 16 years in the conference, praising his colleagues’ dedication and expressing optimism about the road ahead. “I look forward to working with my fellow Assembly Republicans as we continue to fight for responsible government, affordability, public safety, and a stronger New York for both residents and visitors,” he said.

During his tenure on the Ways and Means Committee, Ra became a familiar presence throughout the lengthy and often intense budget hearings, frequently pressing state officials for answers. Just last week, he questioned MTA Chairman Janno Lieber about the amount Gov. Kathy Hochul collected through congestion pricing last year, leaving the transit chief struggling to respond.

Barclay, who had served as the Assembly GOP leader since 2020, announced last week that he would step aside to allow for an orderly leadership transition.

Even Democratic Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) offered praise for Ra, speaking positively about his Republican counterpart during the Democrats’ nominating convention in Syracuse last Friday.