WASHINGTON D.C. — Western New York officially has a new congressman.
Former State Senator Tim Kennedy was sworn into U.S Congress on Monday night in Washington D.C.
Kennedy defeated Republican Gary Dickson in last week's special election for New York's 26th District Seat.
New York's 26th District represents more than 700,000 people. It covers parts of Niagara and Erie Counties, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Kennedy, a Democrat, will fill the seat left vacant by former Congressman Brian Higgins, who resigned earlier this year to become president of Shea's Performing Arts Center.
"I'm grateful for those that have entrusted me with their vote and their confidence to represent our beloved Buffalo Niagara region in the United States Congress," Kennedy said after being sworn in.
Kennedy will finish Higgins' term this year. He'll be on the ballot again in November.
