ALBANY, N.Y. — New York State Assemblyman Will Barclay (R–Pulaski) will continue serving as the leader of the minority conference in the Assembly, where his party is outnumbered by more than two to one.
The Assembly Republican Conference on Tuesday reelected Barclay during a vote held in Albany in advance of the upcoming 2023 legislative session.
“I am profoundly grateful to the members of this Conference for the confidence and trust they’ve placed in me. It’s an honor to work alongside them,” Barclay said. “Day in and day out, they’re fighting to improve the lives of the people they represent. With the start of a new legislative session right around the corner, I’m looking forward to getting back to Albany and continuing our efforts to make New York safer, more affordable and more prosperous for families and businesses.”
A lifelong resident of Central New York, Barclay represents the 120th Assembly District, which includes Oswego County, as well as parts of Jefferson and Cayuga counties. Barclay was first elected to the state Assembly in November 2002 and elected minority leader in January 2020, replacing Brian Kolb.
During his tenure in the Assembly, Barclay has served in various positions within the conference, including ranking minority member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee; deputy minority leader; assistant minority leader; and chairman of the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee.
“Throughout the election season, members of our Conference heard from so many people who believe New York is headed in the wrong direction. Families and businesses have been pouring out of our state for better opportunities elsewhere,” Barclay said in a statement. “The failed polices of One-Party Rule need to be changed and challenged, or else that trend will continue. I know Assembly Republicans will help bring about that necessary change.”
Despite likely picking up about five seats in the November elections, when all results are certified, the Assembly Republicans are expected to still control fewer than 50 seats in the 150-seat Assembly next legislative session. That allows the Democrats to hold a supermajority once again.
Carl Heastie (D–Bronx) is expected to serve as Assembly Majority Leader again.
