Democratic state Senator Tim Kennedy won the special election for New York’s 26th Congressional District, defeating Republican nominee Gary Dickson and succeeding fellow Democrat Brian Higgins. This victory narrows the Republican majority in the House to 217-213, meaning Speaker Mike Johnson will have a slim margin on party-line votes. Despite this, upcoming special elections for vacant Republican seats could potentially extend the GOP’s advantage in the chamber.
Higgins had represented the Buffalo area in the House since 2005, resigning in February to head a local performing arts center due to frustration with the chamber’s turmoil and obstructionism. Kennedy, who has served in the state Senate for over a decade, will fill the remainder of Higgins’ term and also run in the June primary for the full two-year term starting in January. The 26th District is expected to remain friendly to Democrats, with Joe Biden projected to have won by 25 points under the new district lines.
The total ad spending on the race amounted to around $1 million, mostly coming from Kennedy’s campaign. His advertisements focused on aiding working families, supporting abortion rights, and passing stronger gun laws after a mass shooting in Buffalo. Kennedy’s win marks the second consecutive special election victory for New York Democrats, following Tom Suozzi’s win earlier this year. With Kennedy’s swearing in, the state’s US House delegation will consist of 16 Democrats and 10 Republicans.
The New York congressional map has undergone a chaotic redistricting process over the past two years, with multiple court battles and legislative disputes. Despite this, the 26th District is expected to remain a Democratic stronghold. Kennedy’s victory further reduces the Republican majority in the House, potentially affecting future party-line votes. The upcoming special elections for vacant Republican seats could alter the balance of power in the chamber in the short term.
Kennedy’s victory in the special election for New York’s 26th Congressional District marks a significant win for Democrats and will have implications for the balance of power in the House. With a slim majority of 217-213, Speaker Mike Johnson will have limited margin on party-line votes. Kennedy’s campaign focused on aiding working families, supporting abortion rights, and passing stronger gun laws, resonating with voters in the Democratic-leaning district. The upcoming special elections for vacant Republican seats could potentially shift the balance of power in the chamber once again.
