BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Senator Tim Kennedy is projected to win Tuesday's special election for New York's 26th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ.
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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. He appeared on stage to celebrate a major victory Tuesday night that now puts him on the road to Washington, D.C.
"Look at this incredible group of people. thank you Western New York — what a resounding victory," Kennedy declared.
Kennedy was joined by a huge crowd of supporters at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum — where he appeared on stage to thank voters for supporting him.
"This victory is your victory. this victory is our victory. Tonight we are one step closer to preserving a democracy. We are one step closer to protecting human rights and freedoms across our country across the globe. and tonight we are one step closer to a democratic majority in the House of Representatives," shouted Kennedy.
As projected, Kennedy will have defeated West Seneca Town Supervisor Gary Dickson, who was endorsed by the Erie and Niagara County Republican Committees for the NY-26 seat.
Kennedy vowed to supporters to take on extreme Republicans. He talked about the need for women's rights when it comes to abortions, better gun control and affordable healthcare. Kennedy pledged to work to "change Washington."
"Affordable health care is still out of reach for many Western New Yorkers. While we improved our justice system, racial inequality continues to exist, and why while fighting to strengthen our gun laws, the scourge of gun violence continues to take our loved ones by too soon. and while we make progress we know that we have more work to do," remarked Kennedy.
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 South Buffalo native, entered the race with a large financial advantage. According to reporting by The Associated Press, Kennedy raised $1.7 million by April 10, compared to Dickson's $35,430.
Speaking at a recent rally, after being endorsed by Erie County Democrats, Kennedy said he remains committed to Western New York.
“No one will work harder than I will for the people in every single part of the district that I represent, and I'm looking forward to getting to work,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy will serve the rest of the year. He will be on the ballot for the general election in November. But he no longer will face a June primary against former town supervisor Nate McMurray. The Board of Elections has deemed McMurray's petition signatures inefficient. Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner tells 7 News the state Board of Elections will finalize the matter Wednesday and McMurray will not be on the ballot.
7 News senior reporter Eileen Buckley asked Kennedy about McMurray because Kennedy was fighting to remove him from the ballot, but Kennedy only responded by saying "Tonight is about tonight. I'm excited about this moment — you know we will think about tomorrow then."
