Brian Higgins
Brian Michael Higgins (born October 6, 1959) is an American former politician who was the U.S. representative for New York's 26th congressional district, from 2005 until 2024. The district, numbered as the 27th district from 2005 to 2013 but as the 26th from 2013 to 2024, includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Following the 2022 redistricting process, the district now stretches up to Lake Ontario, taking in all or parts of seven additional towns in Niagara County. Higgins is a member of the Democratic Party, and of several congressional committees and caucuses. He was born and raised Buffalo, New York before obtaining a bachelor's and master's from Buffalo State College and an MPA from Harvard University.
Brian Higgins | |
|---|---|
2018 portrait | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York | |
| In office January 3, 2005 – February 2, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Jack Quinn |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Constituency | 27th district (2005–2013) 26th district (2013–2024) |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 145th district | |
| In office January 1, 1999 – December 31, 2004 | |
| Preceded by | Richard Keane |
| Succeeded by | Mark J. F. Schroeder |
| Member of the Buffalo Common Council from the South district | |
| In office 1988–1993 | |
| Preceded by | James Keane |
| Succeeded by | Bonnie Kane Lockwood |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 6, 1959 Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Hannon |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Carl Paladino (cousin-in-law) |
| Education | Buffalo State College (BA, MA) Harvard University (MPA) |
| Website | House website |
Self-described as an independent, Higgins is considered to be in the center of his party. He supports the strengthening of Social Security, and has been a proponent for a public option of health insurance. He further supports national and regional economic development. Higgins supports abortion rights. He has also supported efforts for peace in many areas of the world, and has been actively involved in the Northern Ireland peace process.