The Niagara County Democratic Committee announced this week it is nominating state Sen. Tim Kennedy for New York's 26th congressional district.

Kennedy aims to replace incumbent Rep. Brian Higgins. Higgins is leaving politics in February to become president of Shea's Performing Arts Center. When that happens, Gov. Kathy Hochul will call for a special election taking place 70 to 80 days after Higgins’ departure. The regular federal primary is on June 25, with the general election being held on Nov. 5. 

"I'm deeply appreciative of the Niagara County Democratic Committee’s support, and am committed to continuing to prioritize the values of our greater community both here at home and in Washington,” said Kennedy. "This campaign is fueled by the stories of the people who call Western New York home, and the vision they have for our region and what they believe it can be. I thank Chair Borgatti and the Niagara County Democratic Committee Executive Board for believing that we can realize that shared vision together.”

Kennedy was appointed to the Erie County Legislature in 2004 and won full terms in 2005 and 2007. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 2010 and currently represents the 63rd district, which contains much of the city of Buffalo and all of Cheektowaga and Lackawanna. He already received an endorsement from the Erie County Democratic Committee earlier this month.

Community activist and former Grand Island Town Supervisor Nate McMurray is also running for the seat.

New York's 26th congressional district covers Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Amherst, the Tonawandas, Grand Island, Cheektowaga, Lewiston and other parts of Niagara County.