With Democrats holding a commanding 103‑to‑47 majority in the state legislature’s lower house, the Assembly Republican Campaign Committee (RACC) has been digging in for the long haul, leveraging suburban voter enthusiasm and pushing back against the progressive agenda emanating from New York City and Albany.
As Albany “sinks deeper into chaos, we’ve been building something powerful,” said Republican Leader Will Barclay, a 22-year Assemblyman from upstate Pulaski. He noted that the Committee’s approach is focused on concrete results rather than empty words: “We’re not just talking—we’re organizing. And we’re winning ground.”
RACC reports a slate of accomplishments over the past year, including recruiting pro‑parent, pro‑law‑enforcement candidates, holding Gov. Kathy Hochul accountable for her “soft‑on‑crime” stance, fighting for election integrity and transparency, and mobilizing grassroots volunteers to help win at the polls.
Assembly Republicans—many representing growing suburban districts—have warned that urban liberal interests view their regions as “piggy banks” they can raid to fund an ever-growing government. RACC’s messaging focuses on restoring common sense and fiscal responsibility, especially for taxpayers grappling with cost‑of‑living pressures.
Their bills aim to eliminate the sales tax on everyday items, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit, streamline executive agencies, and overhaul the budget process. They’ve also put forth measures to change the bail and discovery laws, aggressively target fentanyl and human trafficking, and support law enforcement.
On energy, the GOP legislators are looking to repeal mandates banning fossil fuels and requiring electric fire trucks and school buses. They want New Yorkers to reap the economic benefits of the Saudi Arabia-sized natural gas reserves right under their feet. In combating racism, Republicans have filed bills mandating anti‑Semitism training at colleges and cracking down on pro‑Hamas protests.
Medford’s Joe DeStefano, a key RACC member, highlighted the disparity between the two parties: “The $252 billion budget pushed through by the Democrats represents an alarming escalation in government spending, putting New York taxpayers on the hook for the most expensive bill in state history. They have dropped the ball on bail reform, inflation, energy costs, public safety , and other priorities. New York is definitely not better off with the Democrats in control.”
New Yorker Elise Stefanik, Chairwoman of the House Republican Leadership in Washington, echoed RACC’s concerns, calling Democrat policies “radical, reckless,” and “anti‑worker, anti‑family, anti‑law enforcement.”
Leader Barclay concluded: “From Long Island to Buffalo, we’re fighting for affordability, public safety, and a government that works for families. We are not just talking—we’re organizing— and we’re gaining ground.”