Higgins announces plans to leave Congress

Member representing Western New York will step aside in February of 2024

Longtime Western New York Congressman Brian Higgins, D-NY-26, has announced plans to leave Congress in February of 2024.

He shared the news at an event in Buffalo and released the following statement: “It was 19 years ago this month that I was first elected to serve in Congress, and doing this work has truly been the honor of a lifetime. I’ve never lingered on Capitol Hill; I go there on a mission to change my community and return home on the first flight each week because being in Western New York, talking to people here, provides an urgent reminder of what I was sent to Washington to do.

“Too often, elected officials chase the 24-hour news cycle, focusing on the issue of the day, and when you look back there is little to show for it. We have been deliberate in taking a different approach – committed to finding a focus, fighting for what really matters in the lives of people here in Western New York, and getting things done. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished: steadfast service to veterans, lifesaving flight safety measures, record bipartisan infrastructure and Great Lakes investments, a major increase in the nation’s commitment to fighting cancer, a transformation of our waterfront, and the list goes on. Over the years, we’ve put the people of Buffalo-Niagara first and changed Western New York for the better.

“I’ve always been a little impatient, and that trait has helped us deliver remarkable progress for this community. But the pace in Washington, D.C., can be slow and frustrating, especially this year. Therefore, after thoughtful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to leave Congress and explore other ways I can build up and serve Buffalo and Western New York.

“The Buffalo/Niagara Region is a place like none other, a home known for its neighborly heart, a small city with big offerings, and a region with a bright future. I am incredibly proud to have played a role in Western New York’s transformation and forever grateful for the opportunity to represent the good people of New York’s 26th Congressional District.”

Higgins began his first term in the House of Representatives in 2005. He currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee as well as the House Budget Committee. Higgins, whose district borders Southern Ontario, is co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus and the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group. He is also a longtime co-chair of the Bipartisan Cancer Caucus and a member of the Great Lakes Task Force.

WGRZ-TV Channel 2 recently reported Higgins is set to take over as president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. An official announcement has yet to be made.

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “Congressman Brian Higgins has served the people of Buffalo and Western New York with distinction as a member of the Common Council, the State Assembly, and for nearly two decades as our representative in Congress. Throughout his historic career, he has been an integral part of the transformation of our region. From waterfront development, to the preservation of our historic architecture, to game-changing infrastructure improvements, Congressman Higgins has always been at the forefront of progress. On issues of great national importance like safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, lowering health care costs, protecting our environment, and so much more, we have always been able to count on Congressman Higgins to fight for Western New York families.

“I have enjoyed working with Congressman Higgins throughout my time in office, and I know his leadership will be missed. As he is set to begin a new chapter, I wish Congressman Higgins, his staff, and his family well, and thank him for a job well done.”