(ConservativeJournal.org) – On Monday, May 6, Representative Tim Kennedy was sworn into Congress. Kennedy, a New York Democrat, stepped into the shoes of the recently retired Representative Brian Higgins. Republicans now only have just a one-vote edge for any partisan decision.
Just last week Kennedy defeated GOP opponent Gary Dickson in a special election for the 26th Congressional District.
Higgins departed from Congress in February after nearly 20 years of service. As a reason for his decision he stated that Congress is corrupt and that change is either slow to happen or never happens in Washington. He is now the head of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. His resignation aligns with other lawmakers who also declined reelection bids due to mounting frustrations with Capitol Hill chaos.
Kennedy’s district encompasses the entire Buffalo area and most towns along the Niagara river. He became more known on the federal radar after a tragic 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, where he ardently advocated for gun safety measures in the New York State Senate.
Kennedy expressed his humility and gratitude during his address at the assembly, thanking everybody for the trust placed in him by the people of western New York. He underscored that he has a long road ahead and promised to put the people of New York at the forefront of his priorities.
In his speech, Kennedy also emphasized what he called the shared values between the Buffalo-Niagara community and the US. He concluded his remarks by urging Democrats and Republicans in both the state and the country to cooperate for positive change. He underlined the importance of exhibiting leadership that all Americans can take pride in, regardless of party affiliation.
With Kennedy’s installment, the House now comprises 430 members, with 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats, tightening the GOP majority. Republicans will now have a harder time pushing down votes as there are more Democrats to veto.
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