Will Barclay

William Anson Barclay is an American politician and attorney currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 120th District. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since 2003 and was elected as the Assembly minority leader in January 2020. Throughout his political career, Barclay has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has taken stances on a range of policy issues. He is also known for his legal background and family connections to New York's political landscape.

Early life and career

William Anson Barclay was born on January 5, 1969, in Syracuse, New York. He is the son of H. Douglas Barclay and Dee Dee Barclay. H. Douglas Barclay had a notable political career, serving as the U.S. ambassador to El Salvador and as chair of the Republican Conference in the New York State Senate. He is recognized as one of the most influential Republicans in New York over a span of more than five decades. The Barclay family has a longstanding connection to the fishing industry through their ownership of Douglas Outdoors, a company based in Otsego County that manufactures fishing equipment.

Barclay pursued higher education at St. Lawrence University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992. He continued his studies at Syracuse University College of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1995. Following his graduation from law school, he gained experience in the legal field by serving as a clerk for Roger Miner, a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. As of 2020, Barclay was a partner at the law firm Barclay Damon, which has a significant presence in the legal community.

Legislative service

Barclay's political career began when he was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 5, 2002. He won the election against Democrat E. Clyde Ohl, securing a substantial victory. He officially took office in 2003 and has since been re-elected multiple times. His electoral success is highlighted by a notable victory in the November 2008 general election, where he received a significant majority of the vote. He ran uncontested in the subsequent general elections of November 2010 and 2012, reflecting his strong support within his district.

In addition to his role as a legislator, Barclay has held various leadership positions within the Assembly. He served as Deputy Minority Leader and was the chair of the Republican Assembly Campaign Committee. He also held the position of ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for overseeing financial matters and budgetary issues. In January 2020, following the resignation of Brian Kolb, Barclay was unanimously elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as the Assembly minority leader.

Barclay's political ambitions extended beyond the Assembly when he ran for the New York State Senate in a special election for the 48th Senate district in 2008. He sought to fill the vacancy left by former senator Jim Wright but was ultimately defeated by Democratic assemblyman Darrel Aubertine.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Barclay has focused on a variety of policy issues that reflect his party's platform and the interests of his constituents. He has been an outspoken critic of several laws enacted in recent years, advocating for their repeal. Among these are New York's 2019 bail reform law, the Raise the Age Act, the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act, the Green Light Law, and the NY SAFE Act, which pertains to gun control. He has also opposed congestion pricing in New York City, arguing against its implications for residents and commuters.

In addition to his opposition to certain laws, Barclay has proposed initiatives aimed at providing economic relief to New Yorkers. He has been involved in discussions surrounding an Inflation Relief and Consumer Assistance Plan, which seeks to eliminate sales taxes on essential goods. Furthermore, he has advocated for tax incentives aimed at supporting families and childcare providers, reflecting a focus on economic issues that impact everyday citizens.

Barclay's legislative efforts also include his stance on constitutional amendments, notably opposing the 2024 New York Proposal 1, which sought to establish an equal rights amendment to the state's constitution. His positions on these issues illustrate his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents while aligning with the broader goals of the Republican Party.

The 120th District, which Barclay represents, encompasses parts of Oswego County as well as portions of Cayuga and Jefferson Counties. This district is characterized by a mix of rural and suburban communities, and Barclay's legislative priorities often reflect the needs and concerns of the residents within these areas.

In February 2026, Barclay announced his decision to step down from his role as Assembly minority leader and indicated that he would not seek re-election in the upcoming fall elections. His leadership transition was marked by the selection of Ed Ra as his successor, signaling a shift within the Republican leadership in the Assembly.

Barclay resides with his wife, Margaret, and their two sons, Harry and George, on a 500-acre farm located on the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York. The farm has been in the Barclay family for nine generations, and the house was constructed by Barclay's fourth great-grandfather, highlighting the family's deep roots in the region. Through his personal and professional life, Barclay continues to engage with the community he serves, contributing to the political landscape of New York State.