Ed Ra

Edward P. Ra is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 19th district. A member of the Republican Party, he has been in office since his election in 2010. Ra's district encompasses parts of the towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay, located in Nassau County on Long Island. His legislative career has included various leadership roles, and he has been actively involved in shaping policies affecting his constituents.

Early life and career

Edward P. Ra was born on November 4, 1981, in Mineola, New York. He grew up in Franklin Square, a community within Nassau County, where he likely developed an early interest in public service and community engagement. Ra pursued higher education at Loyola College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science in 2004. Following his undergraduate studies, he attended St. John's University School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 2007. He furthered his legal education by completing a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property Law at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in 2008.

Before entering the political arena, Ra gained practical experience in the legal field. He served as the deputy town attorney for the Town of Hempstead, where he was involved in legal matters pertinent to local governance. Additionally, he worked as a legal aide in the Office of the New York State Attorney General, which provided him with insights into state-level legal processes and public policy.

Ra's transition into elected office began in 2010 when he decided to run for the New York State Assembly. This opportunity arose after Assemblyman Thomas Alfano announced he would not seek reelection. Ra entered the race to succeed him and successfully defeated his Democratic opponent, Patrick Nicolosi, in the November election. This victory marked the beginning of his legislative career.

Legislative service

Since his election to the New York State Assembly in 2010, Ed Ra has been an active participant in the legislative process. Over the years, he has held several significant positions within the Assembly. Notably, he has served as the ranking minority member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where he has contributed to discussions and decisions regarding fiscal policy and budgetary matters. His role in this committee has allowed him to influence financial legislation that affects the state and his constituents.

Ra has also held the position of assistant minority leader pro tempore, which involves supporting the minority leader in legislative duties and representing the interests of the Republican caucus. In addition, he served as the ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee, where he focused on issues related to education policy and funding.

Throughout his tenure, Ra has been involved in various legislative initiatives and has taken stances on key issues. One of his notable positions includes opposition to congestion pricing in New York City. He proposed legislation that would require legislative approval for any tolls imposed on the city's tunnels and bridges, reflecting his commitment to addressing transportation concerns for his constituents.

In recognition of his leadership abilities, Ra was unanimously elected as the minority leader of the New York State Assembly on February 9, 2026. This role places him at the forefront of the Republican caucus, allowing him to guide legislative strategy and represent the interests of his party within the Assembly.

Policy focus and district

Ed Ra's policy focus has been shaped by the needs and concerns of the constituents in New York's 19th Assembly district. His district includes portions of Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay, areas characterized by diverse communities and a range of local issues. As a representative, Ra has prioritized addressing the challenges faced by residents in these towns, particularly in areas such as education, transportation, and fiscal responsibility.

In his role as a legislator, Ra has demonstrated a commitment to bipartisan collaboration. He co-founded the New York Future Caucus alongside Democratic Assemblymember Alex Bores, a group aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation among younger legislators. This initiative reflects his understanding of the importance of engaging with a new generation of leaders to address contemporary issues facing the state.

Ra's legislative efforts also extend to advocating for policies that promote economic growth and stability within his district. His background in law and public service informs his approach to crafting legislation that balances the needs of constituents with broader state and regional considerations.

As he continues to serve in the New York State Assembly, Ed Ra remains focused on representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of state governance. His ongoing commitment to public service and legislative leadership positions him as a significant figure in New York politics, particularly within the Republican Party. Ra's career reflects a dedication to addressing the needs of his district and contributing to the legislative process in New York State.