House swears in New York Democrat, shrinking Republican majority

Rep. Tim Kennedy (DN.Y.) was sworn in on the House floor Monday, replacing now-retired Rep. Brian Higgins (DN.Y.) and leaving Republicans with just a one-vote margin for any party-line vote.

Kennedy, a former state senator, defeated Republican candidate Gary Dickson in a special election for New York’s 26th Congressional District last week.

“I stand before you moved by the opportunity that God has given us to be together at this moment,” he said in the plenary after taking office. “This incredible, magnificent responsibility has been bestowed upon me by the people of Western New York. ”

The total number of lawmakers in the House is now 430 – 217 Republicans and 213 Democrats – narrowing the Republican conference’s slim majority. The margin has narrowed in recent months as several Republican members have chosen to resign from office early.

The next vacancy to be filled is that of former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (Republican of California). His Central Valley district will hold a special election on May 21.

Higgins resigned from Congress in February after nearly two decades in the House, citing growing dysfunction and the “slow and frustrating” pace of progress in D.C., and now serves as president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. The longtime lawmaker was among several House members who announced they would not seek reelection amid frustration over the chaos at the Capitol.

The New York District runs along the Niagara River, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. A 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo led Kennedy to become champion gun safety legislation in the New York State Senate.

“I believe the character traits that define us in the Buffalo Niagara region are the same ideals held by all Americans,” Kennedy said on the floor. “I believe the hope we have as a Western New York community to reach our greatest potential is shared equally by all communities across our country.”

Kennedy will finish Higgins’ term by January and will also be on the ballot for a full term in November.

“I look forward to working with you to change our country for the better,” he continued. “I am hopeful that we in this House can demonstrate leadership on a world stage that our fellow Americans can be proud of.”

Julia Mueller contributed.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story