BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Voters in an upstate New York congressional district will choose between a Democrat regarded by many as the natural successor to the longtime congressman who vacated the seat earlier this year and a Republican with crossover appeal in a special election Tuesday.
Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins, who arrived in Congress in 2005, resigned in February to become president of Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. With Republicans holding a narrow margin in the U.S. House, even a race for a seat widely expected to remain in Democratic hands has drawn its share of scrutiny.
The race in the 26th District features state Sen. Timothy Kennedy, a Democrat who regards Higgins as a mentor, and Gary Dickson, the first Republican elected as a town supervisor in the Buffalo suburb of West Seneca in 50 years.
The district spans Erie and Niagara counties, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. With registered Democrats outnumbering Republicans by more than 2-to-1, it is considered a safe seat for Democrats.
Sports betting roundup: Xander Schauffele's final putt pays off for bettors
Meet the Real Housewives star who spent £25m on a 1,000
At birthplace of Olympics, performers at flame
Scientists develop fully integrated memristor chip with low energy consumption
FDIC chairman Martin Gruenberg to step down, White House says
Keanu Reeves and longtime girlfriend Alexandra Grant put on a loved
Donald Trump and Lindsey Graham are again at odds, now over abortion
12 killed in boat capsize accident in North China; boat owner detained
Who is Abi Carter? Inside the American Idol winner's unconventional family life
China, Micronesia to elevate ties