Ed Ra Announces New Committee Appointments in State Assembly

Feb 14, 2026, 2:58 AM

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New York state Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra has made significant committee appointments following his election to the position earlier this week. Ra, who replaced Will Barclay as the Republican leader, emphasized the importance of addressing pressing issues, particularly in energy policy, with these new appointments.

Among the most notable changes is the appointment of Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, who has been named the new ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. This committee plays a critical role in handling budget issues, making this a significant leadership position within the Assembly.

In a further shake-up, Assemblyman Scott Gray will take over Palmesano's previous role as the ranking member of the Assembly Energy Committee. Gray, who has represented the 116th Assembly District since 2023, expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, "It is a tremendous opportunity to lead our Conference's energy policy agenda as the new ranking minority member of the Committee on Energy." He highlighted the challenges facing New York's energy grid, which he believes have resulted from ineffective policies that have increased energy costs for consumers.

Ra's decision to appoint Assemblyman Paul Bologna to the Energy Committee reflects a concerted effort to address the ongoing energy crisis in the state. Bologna, who has served the 144th Assembly District since 2025, stated, "I'm here to fight for accountability and common sense, because pretending this isn't a crisis is no longer an option." His appointment underscores the urgency among Assembly Republicans to tackle rising energy costs and enhance the reliability of the state's energy infrastructure.

Ra's election as minority leader came after Barclay announced he would not seek reelection this year. "Energy costs and reliability are on the mind of every New Yorker, and among the most pressing issues facing Albany this year," Ra remarked. He expressed pride in appointing Gray and Bologna, citing their expertise and dedication as pivotal for the Assembly Energy Committee's efforts to implement effective energy initiatives.

As the new legislative session begins, the Assembly is witnessing a reshuffling of committee leadership. This follows a series of retirements and electoral changes that have left multiple committees, including the Ways and Means and Energy Committees, needing new leadership. The focus on energy comes at a critical time, as New Yorkers grapple with rising energy bills and concerns about the state's energy grid capacity.

Overall, Ra's committee appointments are seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Republican presence in the Assembly and address key issues that resonate with constituents. The changes are expected to influence discussions and decisions on energy policy in the coming months, as the Assembly works to find solutions to the challenges facing New York.

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