Longtime New York House Democrat to step down from Congress

New York Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins on Sunday announced his plans to resign from Congress in February 2024 after nearly two decades in office. 

Higgins, who represents New York's 26th Congressional District in the western part of the state, alluded to frustrations with politics as his reason for resigning.

"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," Higgins said. "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.

Higgins, 64, began serving in Congress in 2005. He was reelected in 2022 with more than 63% of the vote. The New York congressional map is being redrawn ahead of the 2024 election per a court order earlier this year. 

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