New York Democratic Representative Brian Higgins has announced he will step down from Congress in February, ending a 19-year tenure in the House of Representatives.
Higgins, who represents the 26th Congressional district of New York, was first elected in 2004 and quickly became one of the state’s most influential members of Congress. In addition to helping secure billions in federal funding for the Buffalo area, Higgins also promoted several progressive reform initiatives, including legislation aimed at increasing disclosure requirements for Congressional earmarks and establishing a federal student loan forgiveness program.
Higgins’ announcement to retire sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, as his departure leaves a large leadership gap in the New York Congressional delegation. While locals are expressing sadness and noting Higgins’ long-time commitment to the Buffalo area, some are looking ahead to the December special election which will decide who will fill the vacant Congressional seat for the remainder of Higgins’ unexpired term.
In a tearful speech, Higgins expressed his lasting love for the district and the citizens he had faithfully served over the years. He stated, “It has been an honor to serve our district. I am deeply grateful for Western New Yorkers’ support and am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together”.
As gratitude for Higgins’ actions, many local officials and community leaders are campaigning to have the Buffalo airport rename a terminal in his honor. Moreover, Democratic Party leaders have become more cautious in finding a replacement, as they realize Higgins’ legacy and impact on the region must be upheld. Fellow Democrat Sean Patrick Maloney stated, “We are all heartsick to see [Higgins] go and it is going to be hard to replace him with anything less than someone of his caliber.”
While Higgins’ departure has without doubt left constituents with an emotional void, his lasting achievements will surely reverberate throughout Western New York for years to come.