“I want to congratulate Assemblyman Ed Ra on his election as the new Assembly Minority Leader. When I was first elected to this body, Ed took me under his wing. He didn’t have to—but that’s who he is. He instilled in me a deep reverence for the New York State Assembly—its history, its traditions and our responsibility as stewards of an institution that will endure long after any of us are gone.

I have seen Leader Ra’s leadership up close. His command of policy, calm confidence and unwavering integrity set him apart. More importantly, I have witnessed his compassion and his genuine care for others during moments when leadership matters most. Those qualities can’t be manufactured—they are lived.

At a time when trust in government is strained, Leader Ra brings credibility, steadiness, humility and heart to the Minority Conference. I am proud to support his leadership and look forward to working with him to advance common-sense solutions that strengthen affordability, protect public safety and ensure the Hudson Valley has a strong voice at the table.”