Democratic Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY) has declared his resignation from Congress. Serving as a low-key moderate Democrat, Higgins has represented the Buffalo area of New York in Washington since 2005. Citing his departure, Higgins expressed frustration with the increasing political polarization in Washington, D.C. He cautioned that the dysfunction in the nation’s capital is hindering the service to the American people.
“It’s just a time for change, and I think this is the time,” the congressman said in a statement.
“Congress is not the institution that I went to 19 years ago.
“It’s a very different place today,” he said.
“We’re spending more time doing less.
“And the American people aren’t being served.”
Higgins is set to depart in February to assume the role of president at Shea’s Performing Arts Center in downtown Buffalo.
Throughout his understated term, Higgins dedicated efforts to enhance aviation safety following the 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash, a tragic incident that claimed 50 lives outside of Buffalo. Notably, this event stands as the last major aviation disaster in American history.
Higgins is also acknowledged for his role in securing millions in funds for the development of Buffalo’s waterfront.
“I didn’t go to Washington 19 years ago to change the world,” Higgins said.
“I went there to change my community and I think that we have in many, many ways.”
Republicans have achieved electoral advancements in traditionally Democratic New York during the recent election cycles. Notably, GOP successes on Long Island in 2022 contributed to Republicans securing a slim majority in the House.
The 26th district represented by Higgins, encompassing areas such as Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, and Lackawanna, is not expected to be highly contested in a general election.
However, Higgins’ departure sets the stage for a competition among prominent Democrats in the region. Notable figures include state senator Tim Kennedy, Buffalo mayor Byron Brown, and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who secured re-election just last week.
