Leadership changes are coming for Republicans in the New York State Assembly. Minority Leader Will Barclay announced Thursday that he plans to step down from the role in the coming days and will not run for re-election this year.
In his statement, Barclay wrote:
After a great deal of consideration, I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the 120th Assembly District. I intend to step down as Minority Leader in the coming days, allowing for a smooth transition to new leadership early in the legislative session. This is the right time for me to move on. I hold the deepest respect for this institution and will always be profoundly appreciative of the trust Assembly Republicans placed in me to serve as Minority Leader.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the citizens of the 120th Assembly District. During my 23-year tenure, I’ve done my best to represent the interests of constituents and advance policies that give every resident of this state the opportunity to succeed and prosper.
The 120th District has been my family’s home for generations. Regardless of what professional role I’m in or where my future takes me, my roots will always be firmly planted in Central New York. My love for the region, the communities within it, and the people who have been by my side will never fade.
This was not a decision that came easily. However, there will be plenty of time for reflection and goodbyes. My focus remains on important issues that must be addressed for New Yorkers. I’m confident the next leader will continue the incredible work of our Republican Conference.
Barclay was first elected as a member of the New York State Assembly on November 5, 2002. He currently represents the 120th Assembly District, which includes Oswego County; the Cayuga County towns of Ira, Sterling and Victory; and the Jefferson County towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Lorraine and Worth. Barclay has served as Assembly GOP leader since January 2020, when he succeeded Brian Kolb.
During his career in the Assembly, Leader Barclay has served as the Ranking Minority Member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and held roles including Deputy Minority Leader, Assistant Minority Leader, Chair of the Minority Joint Conference Committee, and Vice Chair of the Minority Program Committee.
In addition, Leader Barclay formerly served as the Chair of the Minority Hunting and Fishing Task Force, as a member of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Manufacturing, and the Assembly Minority Task Force on Small Business.
An attorney and a businessman, he is a partner in the Syracuse law firm of Barclay Damon, LLP, where he specializes in business law. Because of his experience in business and law, Leader Barclay knows firsthand the challenges the business community faces in New York and he has focused his legislative agenda on policies that will benefit the upstate economy and the working men and women of his district.
Leader Barclay is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and Syracuse University College of Law. After graduating from law school, he served as a law clerk for Roger J. Miner, a judge of the United States Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, in Albany and New York City.
Born in Syracuse, Leader Barclay is a lifelong resident of Central New York and represents the eighth generation of his family living in Pulaski, New York. He and his wife, Margaret, have two sons.
