With budget talks underway in Albany, Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra has picked his leadership team for 2026.
Ra, a Republican from Franklin Square, announced the Assembly Minority Conference appointments Friday, saying the group will focus on affordability and public safety.
“At a time when families are facing higher costs and growing uncertainty, strong leadership matters,” Ra said. “This team brings experience, integrity and a strong commitment to holding government accountable while advancing common-sense solutions that make New York more affordable and safer.”
Ra said each appointee has shown “a proven track record of dedicated public service” and pledged to continue “the fight for New York.”
Assemblymember Phil Palmesano of Corning will serve as ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee. He said the role comes at a key moment as lawmakers debate the governor’s proposed $260 billion budget.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Palmesano said.
Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush of Black River will serve as deputy minority leader. He said he and Ra entered the Assembly together in 2010 and now will serve alongside each other in leadership.
“I look forward to strengthening our team and continuing to fight for the hardworking families of the North Country and Mohawk Valley,” Blankenbush said.
Assemblymember Karl Brabenec of Deer Park and Assemblyman Angelo Morinello of Niagara Falls will serve as assistant minority leaders. Both said they plan to work with Ra to promote what they described as common-sense policies and a more affordable and safer New York.
Assemblymember Doug Smith of Holbrook will serve as deputy minority whip. Assemblyman Michael Durso of Massapequa Park will serve as assistant minority whip.
“I will work tirelessly every day alongside Leader Ra and our members to advance the goals of the Republican Conference and to make New York safer and more affordable,” Smith said.
Durso called it “an honor and privilege” to serve in the new role and said he looks forward to delivering results for New Yorkers.
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