Assembly Republicans are down, but not defeated.
The conference is down to 43 members—from a high of 51 just a few years ago—but had a spirited swearing-in ceremony for its seven new members yesterday at a hearing room near the state Capitol.
Families joined the new members on stage, and the sound of children could be heard throughout the hourlong event.
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, said the Republicans are still an important voice in the Democratic-led Assembly, which has 107 members.
“I am proud to welcome our seven new members to Albany and I am confident that they will be strong new voices and supporters on behalf of New York’s hard-working families and businesses,” Kolb said in a statement. “It is a great honor to serve the people of this state and it is our duty as legislators to continue to make New York a better, more affordable place to live today and for future generations.”
The seven new Assembly Republican Members are:—Joseph Borelli representing the 62nd District, (Richmond County); —David DiPietro, representing the 147th District, (Erie & Wyoming Counties);—Andrew Garbarino, representing the 7th District, (Suffolk County);—Kieran Michael Lalor, representing the 105th District, (Dutchess County);—Chad Lupinacci, representing the 10th District, (Nassau County);—Bill Nojay, representing the 133rd District, (Monroe, Livingstong & Steuben Counties), and—Daniel Stec, representing the 114th District, (Warren, Essex, Washington & Saratoga Counties)
Here’s video of Lalor and Nojay as they address the crowd after their swearing in.
