PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — There will be fewer Republicans on the floor when the Rhode Island General Assembly kicks off its 2013 session.

Six of the 75 House members are Republican, as are five of the 38 members of the state Senate. Aside from one independent Senator, the rest are Democrats.

When the 2012 session began there were 18 Republicans in the legislature. Some GOP lawmakers did not seek another term, while others were defeated in the fall election. Of the 24 freshman lawmakers, only one is a Republican.

Despite their diminished numbers, House Minority Leader Brian Newberry says he’s optimistic his party can present good alternatives to Democratic proposals and play an active role in legislative debate.