Tim Kennedy declares victory in NY-26 special election

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — State Senator Tim Kennedy (D) declared victory in the Congressional special election for New York's 26th Congressional district on Tuesday night.

Kennedy has 68.2% of the vote with 94.2% of the vote having been counted as of 11:20 p.m., according to the Associated Press. He defeated West Seneca Town Supervisor Gary Dickson (R).

Kennedy has been a state lawmaker since 2011, representing south Buffalo in the state's 63rd district.

"We take this fight to Washington to fix a broken system, dysfunctional system that is controlled by extreme MAGA Republicans," Kennedy said. "We are going to change Washington just like we changed Albany. We know we can do it because we've done it before."

He replaces Brian Higgins, who had represented Western New York in Congress since 2005 before resigning in February, citing frustration with the pace of Congress. He took the job as president of Shea's Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo. Kennedy has referred to Higgins as a mentor of his multiple times.

"I have no regrets over this, for running. Only really great memories," Dickson said in his concession speech. "I met a lot of really great people ... people who have put their heart and soul into my candidacy, who put their hopes that we could actually change things. And even though this time it may not have come to fruition, that doesn't mean next time it won't."

Kennedy said that his focus in Washington would be on reproductive rights, immigration and stronger gun laws, similar to those passed on the state level following the 2022 Tops mass shooting.

"While we've made progress, we know we have more work to do," Kennedy said Tuesday night. "That's why this campaign, this movement, has stepped up. That's why we have stepped up to this occasion, to meet the moment. It's about continuing the progress and economic growth we've made the past two decades."

Kennedy will be sworn into office in the coming weeks, but will be back on the campaign trail soon. He will be in the primary for November's general election on June 25. The general election is on Nov. 5. Should Kennedy win that election, he will be sworn back into Congress for a two-year term beginning on Jan. 3, 2025.

New York’s 26th Congressional District represents Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, among other municipalities.