Central New York state Assemblyman Will Barclay was re-elected the leader of the Republicans on Tuesday to the Democratic-dominated chamber. 

The vote was held in private with Republican lawmakers in Albany on Tuesday afternoon as they prepare for the 2023 legislative session set to begin in January. 

Barclay was first elected to the state Assembly in 2002 and has led the Assembly Republicans since 2020, replacing Brian Kolb. 

“I am profoundly grateful to the members of this Conference for the confidence and trust they’ve placed in me. It’s an honor to work alongside them,” Barclay said. “Day in and day out, they’re fighting to improve the lives of the people they represent. With the start of a new legislative session right around the corner, I’m looking forward to getting back to Albany and continuing our efforts to make New York safer, more affordable and more prosperous for families and businesses.”

Republicans have been in the minority in the 150-member state Assembly since the aftermath of the Watergate scandal and Democrats are once again expected to hold a supermajority. 

Bronx Democrat Carl Heastie is expected to be re-elected his confernece's leader and the Assembly speaker in January.