Niagara County Democrats back Kennedy's bid for NY-26 seat

Jan. 23—Niagara County Democrats have formally nominated New York state Sen. Tim Kennedy as their preferred candidate in the upcoming special election to replace departing U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins, NY-26.

Niagara County Democratic Committee Chairman Chris Borgatti said members of his committee's executive committee made the decision during a meeting Monday night.

In announcing the committee's decision, Borgatti described Kennedy — whose state senate district does not cover any portion of Niagara County — as a "long-time friend" and "supporter" of the community who has "delivered valuable resources to this community as transportation chair and helped pass reforms that address the corruption at the Western Region Off-Track Betting."

"His tireless work ethic, commitment to working people and democratic principles made supporting his candidacy a no-brainer," Borgatti said.

Colin Ligammari, chair of the Niagara Falls City Democratic Committee, said the Cataract City has been fortunate to have Higgins as its representative in the House and that Kennedy "embodies that same spirit and energy."

"I am excited to work alongside him and help him fight for the unique needs of our community," she said.

The 26th Congressional District covers the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, the towns of Amherst, Grand Island, Cheektowaga, Niagara, Wheatfield, Lewiston, Porter, Wilson, Cambria, Pendleton and a portion of the town of Lockport.

Higgins is expected to step down as NY-26's representative in early February to become the president at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to call for a special election 70 to 80 days after Higgins' departure.

Kennedy also has been nominated as the party's preferred nominee in the special election by the Erie County Democratic Committee. The 2024 primary election will be held June 25 and the general election on Nov. 5.

Kennedy has a bachelor's degree and master's degree in occupational therapy from D'Youville College and worked as an occupational therapist for 11 years. In 2004, he was appointed to the Erie County Legislature's Second District seat, and won full terms of office in 2005 and 2007. He was elected to the state senate in 2010 and currently represents the 63rd district, which includes much of the city of Buffalo and all of Cheektowaga and Lackawanna. After Democrats won the state Senate majority in 2018, Kennedy was named chair of the senate transportation committee. Kennedy, his wife, Katie, and their three children reside in Buffalo.

"I'm deeply appreciative of the Niagara County Democratic Committee's support, and am committed to continuing to prioritize the values of our greater community both here at home and in Washington," Kennedy said. "This campaign is fueled by the stories of the people who call Western New York home and the vision they have for our region and what they believe it can be."