New York state Assemblymember Mary Beth Walsh has been named the new state Assembly minority leader pro tempore, the second-highest ranking position in the minority conference, Minority Leader Will Barclay announced Monday.

Walsh succeeds Andrew Goodell, who decided to retire this year and not run for reelection.

Walsh, a Republican, represents the 112th Assembly District, which is made up of parts of southern Saratoga, northern Schenectady and eastern Fulton counties. She was first elected to the state Legislature's lower chamber in 2016.

“I appreciate the confidence placed in me by Leader Barclay and am honored to take the reins, having spent the past four years as Assistant Minority Leader Pro Tempore to Assemblyman Goodell. Watching and learning from Andy how to respectfully, thoughtfully and thoroughly debate proposed legislation has been a formative experience," Walsh said in a statement. "I’m delighted with the opportunity to lead debate during session proceedings, to collaborate and draw from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our conference members, and to provide a strong counterpoint in the Assembly Chamber.”

Walsh is only the third woman to hold this key leadership position.

The role of minority leader pro tempore includes running floor operations for the Republican conference, which means reviewing and evaluating all the bills that come up for a vote on the floor, preparing and leading floor debates, and managing all Assembly floor activity through the legislative process.

Lawmakers will return to Albany for a new legislative session at the beginning of January.