Summary

Timothy Martin Kennedy (born October 20, 1976 is an American politician who is the U.S. representative for New York’s 26th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected in the April 2024 special election to finish the remainder of Brian Higgins’s term in the 118th United States Congress. Prior to his congressional tenure, Kennedy served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2024.

From 1999 to 2010, Kennedy worked as a licensed occupational therapist at Catholic Health.

OnAir Post: Tim Kennedy NY-26

About

Source: Government Page

Tim Kennedy NY-26Tim is a lifelong Western New Yorker. He grew up in a blue-collar family in Buffalo, where his parents, Marty and Mary Kennedy, raised Tim and his four siblings to work hard, focus on their education, help their neighbors, and get involved in their community. Tim attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute before going on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy at D’Youville College, now D’Youville University. For 11 years, Tim worked with geriatric and pediatric populations to help them recover from injuries and fully participate in all life situations. As a licensed occupational therapist, Tim has spent his entire career working to help people.

Elected to the House of Representatives on April 30, 2024, Tim sits on the House Homeland Security Committee and has been assigned to two of its subcommittees: Emergency Management and Technology and Transportation and Maritime Security. As a Congressman, he is focused on delivering resources for Western New York, fighting for workers, and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

Prior to serving in Congress, Tim represented Western New York in the New York State Senate, where he chaired the Transportation Committee. As Chair, Tim delivered an unprecedented $100 million for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to fund a five year capital plan for maintenance and improvements of the Metro Rail. He passed legislation to protect children riding on school buses, workers in highway work zones and pedestrians and cyclists across New York State. He spearheaded historic limousine safety reforms in the wake of tragic accidents on Long Island and in the Capital Region. In addition, Tim led the effort to pass a 5-year, $32.8 billion NYS Department of Transportation Capital Plan and a $54.8 billion Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) 5-year Capital Plan.

Tim has fought for equity and social justice, voting to legalize marriage equality, expand voting rights, and give striking workers easier access to unemployment benefits. He supported women’s rights in New York by codifying Roe v. Wade, worked to keep our communities safe by passing gun safety legislation and fought back against attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

Tim has also protected reproductive rights in New York and is committed to leading that fight at the national level in Congress. He recognizes that our strength comes from our diversity and has worked to expand language access across state government, making New York State an even more welcoming place for New Americans.

Tim and his wife, Katie, live in the City of Buffalo where they are raising their three children, Connor, Eireann, and Padraic.

 

Web Links

Politics

Source: Wikipedia

U.S. House of Representatives
2024 special election
Main article: 2024 New York’s 26th congressional district special election
On November 14, 2023, Kennedy announced that he would run for the soon-to-be vacated congressional seat held at the time by Brian Higgins.[54] He won the election on April 30, 2024, defeating Republican nominee Gary Dickson.[55] Kennedy received 68.6% of the vote to Dickson’s 31.3%.[56]

2024
Kennedy was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on May 6, 2024.[57]

The first bill Kennedy cosponsored was H.R. 2530, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. In his first floor speech, he highlighted the need for safe staffing nurse-to-patient ratios.[58]

On the second anniversary of the racist shooting at Tops grocery store in Buffalo, Kennedy honored the victims in a 30-minute special order proceeding where he was joined by Rep. Jim Clyburn.[59] He also introduced legislation with Rep. Grace Meng to ban the sale of enhanced body armor, which was used by the shooter in Buffalo.[60]

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

New Legislation

Issues

Source: Government page

Gun Violence Prevention

Gun violence is an epidemic in American society and is now the leading cause of death for American children. Tragically, Western New York has been forever changed by the impact of gun violence. The May 14, 2022 attack on the Jefferson Avenue Tops Supermarket in Buffalo, New York—a racially motivated hate crime—took the lives of ten innocent people and severely injured three others. The shooter was a white supremacist who traveled to Buffalo and targeted the grocery store because it was located in a predominantly Black neighborhood.

Aaron Salter, Jr., the security guard at Tops on 5/14, took courageous action to stop the shooter. However, because the attacker had access to enhanced body armor, Mr. Salter’s shot was deflected, and he was murdered. In response, Kennedy co-led legislation to prevent civilians from purchasing the body armor that the perpetrator wore, H.R. 8388, the Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. It bans the purchase, or possession of, enhanced body armor by civilians.

Immediately following the attack, during his time in the New York State Senate, Kennedy helped establish mechanisms to better control who has access to guns and gun paraphernalia—including body armor—worked to hold gun manufacturers accountable, strengthened gun regulations, and worked to better understand the role of social networks in gun violence.

Rep. Kennedy is advocating for common-sense gun violence prevention legislation  that will:

  • Ban assault weapons and modifiers, including bump stocks

  • Pass universal background checks for all firearm purchases

  • Strengthen red flag laws

  • Prohibit the sale of ghost guns and high-capacity ammunition

Homeland Security

As a northern border community, Western New Yorkers know that secure borders and efficient crossings are critical to everyday life and the economy. As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Kennedy is working to provide new technology and resources for our northern border, while fighting against burdensome regulations that stifle trade and travel with Canada. Providing the necessary resources and staffing levels at our ports of entry, including the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, and Whirlpool Bridge, gives U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the tools to prevent illegal activity, while also facilitating vital economic activity in the region.

As a nation, it is overdue for the United States Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform that keeps Americans safe while protecting our ideals. Kennedy is working to:

  • Invest in law enforcement by hiring CBP officers and agents to meet the agency’s staffing needs

  • Support border patrol and customs agents who keep our communities safe

  • Crackdown on drug trafficking using cutting-edge technology

  • Reform our immigration system

  • Hire more asylum officers and immigration judges to speed up the processing of migrant claims

Jobs and Economic Development

Rep. Kennedy is committed to fostering a strong and inclusive economy that benefits all Western New Yorkers and grows the middle class. He believes in creating opportunities for economic development, advocating for policies that support small businesses and encourage job growth, and investing in industries that will drive the future of the region.

Championing smart investments and innovations to keep revitalizing the Western New York region, Kennedy is focused on:

  • Rebuilding transportation systems and infrastructure

  • Investing in the manufacturing sector

  • Making housing more affordable and increasing supply

  • Providing incentives to rehabilitate historic buildings and preserve our culture

Kennedy believes that more needs to be done to lower the cost of living for Western New Yorkers. In Congress, he is fighting to ease the financial burdens for lower and middle-class families, including tax relief for the middle class while ensuring those at the top pay their fair share. The economy thrives when we invest in people—from the middle out and the bottom up—including providing affordable child care for families, expanding the child tax credit, and strengthening and preserving Social Security to provide income security for retirees for decades to come.

The economies of Western New York and Canada are uniquely interconnected due to our close proximity and strong trade relationship. This connection is evident in sectors like manufacturing and tourism, with Canadian businesses importing goods from Western New York and vice versa. The Buffalo-Niagara region serves as a vital gateway for trade, and many Canadians visit Western New York for shopping and entertainment, such as attending a Buffalo Bills or Sabres game, contributing to the local economy. Ensuring a smooth flow of trade and travel between the United States and Canada is good for the economy and for families.

Transportation

Rep. Kennedy is a champion of investing in transportation systems and infrastructure to meet the needs of people and our economy in Western New York. He understands that well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transit are the backbone of a thriving economy and vital to the daily lives of Americans.

Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Kennedy represented Western New York in the New York State Senate, where he chaired the Transportation Committee. As Chair, Kennedy delivered an unprecedented $100 million for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to fund a five-year capital plan for maintenance and improvements of the Metro Rail. He passed legislation to protect children riding on school buses, workers in highway work zones, and pedestrians and cyclists across New York State. He spearheaded historic limousine safety reforms in the wake of tragic accidents on Long Island and the Capital Region.

In Congress, Rep. Kennedy will continue to fight for equitable investments in infrastructure that improve quality of life and expand access to opportunities, including policies that will:

  • Prioritize passenger safety

  • Reconnect communities harmed by planning mistakes of the past

  • Invest in accessible and affordable public transportation

  • Modernize and maintain roadways and bridges

  • Create safer rail stations, bus stops, roads, and bridges

Upholding Democracy and Freedoms

Rep. Kennedy has fought for equality and social justice, voting to legalize marriage equality, expand voting rights, and give striking workers access to unemployment benefits. He supported women’s rights in New York State by codifying Roe v. Wade, worked to keep our communities safe by passing gun safety legislation, and fought back against attempts to undermine the Affordable Care Act.

In New York, Kennedy has worked to protect reproductive rights and is committed to leading that fight at the national level in Congress. He recognizes that our strength comes from our diversity and has worked to expand language access across New York State government, making New York State an even more welcoming place for New Americans. In Congress, he is focused on:

  • Protecting and expanding voting rights

  • Defending reproductive rights

  • Maintaining and building on progress for LGBTQ+ rights

  • Pushing back against rising extremism

Education

Every child in Western New York and across the United States deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century. By equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, we lay the foundation for a future where our workforce is competitive, our economy is strong, and our communities thrive.

Climate and Environment

Rep. Kennedy is committed to advancing policies that address the urgent threat of climate change, safeguard our natural resources, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. He is working to advance legislation that:

  • Cuts carbon emissions

  • Invests in sustainability

  • Encourages green infrastructure

  • Mitigates the worst impacts of climate change

  • Strengthens the green energy economy

  • Invests in brownfield revitalization

  • Ensure clean drinking water

In particular, Rep. Kennedy supports policies that protect the Great Lakes, which hold about 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water. The 26th Congressional District borders both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These lakes are vital to our local economy, providing drinking water, recreation, and livelihoods for countless Western New Yorkers. By working collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels, Rep. Kennedy is dedicated to protecting these invaluable natural resources for our children and grandchildren. Rep. Kennedy is also working to ensure that Western New York receives its fair share of federal dollars to redevelop brownfields to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges in our urban and rural communities, and stimulate economic opportunity. To ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water, Rep. Kennedy is also working to leverage investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace dangerous lead pipes that still pose health risks to too many families across Western New York.

As a New York State Senator, Rep. Kennedy secured investments in education and increased funding for our schools. He led the fight to eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), which unfairly slashed billions from our public schools. By ending the GEA, New York State restored critical funding to districts in need and helped close the inequities that were holding students back. Now in Congress, Rep. Kennedy is committed to continuing that fight to ensure that every child in Western New York, and across this nation, can reach their full potential. He will work to advance policies that:

  • Make K-12 education more accessible

  • Support investments in vocational programs

  • Work to lower the financial burden of higher education

  • Support teachers and faculty

Healthcare

Access to affordable healthcare is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right that every American deserves. Prior to serving in government, Rep. Kennedy worked as an occupational therapist, helping older adults and children with disabilities, illnesses, or injuries complete daily tasks and live life fully. As the only licensed occupational therapist in Congress, Rep. Kennedy brings a unique understanding of the importance of accessible, high-quality care.

He is focused on expanding the work of House Democrats to lower prescription drug costs and make preventive care more accessible, and will work to:

  • Protect and expand the Affordable Care Act

  • Secure Medicare’s ability to negotiate prescription drug prices for seniors

  • Invest in improved mental health services

  • Invest in a healthcare system that prioritizes chronic disease prevention and focuses on outcomes that keep Americans healthy

Veterans

Rep. Kennedy is committed to ensuring that all veterans receive the benefits, support, and comprehensive healthcare that they have earned and deserve. This includes advocating for accessible medical services, mental health resources, affordable and accessible housing, and benefits that honor their sacrifices.

As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Rep. Kennedy is dedicated to upholding the duty of care for those who have defended our country and ensuring that every veteran has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life, including:

  • Modern and comfortable veteran healthcare facilities

  • Affordable and accessible housing options

  • Sufficient staffing and resources for VA facilities and community care centers

  • Accessible and affordable mental health resources

Do you qualify for benefits under the PACT Act?

Prior to the PACT Act, veterans unknowingly exposed to toxic substances or radiation while serving in the military faced an arduous process of proving a direct correlation between a medical condition, such as cancer or respiratory conditions, and their service-connected exposure to toxins. The PACT Act, signed into law in 2022, added a new classification of 23 conditions as presumptive eligibility, streamlining the process of obtaining benefits for veterans. The law also expanded eligibility for veterans who served in the Gulf War and post-9/11 conflicts.

For more information on PACT Act benefits visit: va.gov/pact or call 1-800-698-2411.

Veterans who live in New York’s 26th Congressional District can call Rep. Kennedy’s office at 716-852-3501.

More Information

Wikipedia

Timothy Martin Kennedy (born October 20, 1976)[2] is an American politician who is the U.S. representative for New York’s 26th congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected in the April 2024 special election to finish the remainder of Brian Higgins‘s term in the 118th United States Congress. Prior to his congressional tenure, Kennedy served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2024.[1]

Early life and education

Kennedy was raised in South Buffalo, one of five children of Martin F. and Mary Kennedy. His father worked as Buffalo’s commissioner of assessment and taxation, and his mother is a retired nurse who taught nursing at D’Youville University.[3][4] He received his early education at St. Martin’s Elementary School, and attended St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from D’Youville University.[5]

Early career

From 1999 to 2010, Kennedy worked as a licensed occupational therapist at Catholic Health.[5][6]

Erie County Legislature

In late 2004, at the age of 28, Kennedy was appointed to the Erie County Legislature, representing the 2nd district, after Mark J. F. Schroeder was elected to the State Assembly.[7]

In 2005, Kennedy defeated Democratic primary opponent Paul Sullivan by a vote of 65% to 35%.[8] He won 72% of the vote in the general election against his Republican opponent, Julieanne Mazurkiewicz.[9]

In 2007, Kennedy ran unopposed for a second full term to the Erie County Legislature.[10]

New York State Senate

Elections

2010

In 2010, Kennedy challenged incumbent William Stachowski for the Democratic nomination for the 58th district in the New York State Senate.[11] Kennedy also earned the endorsement of the Conservative Party,[12] which had previously supported Stachowski.[13] Stachowski was one of eight Democratic state senators who had voted against a bill allowing same-sex marriage in New York, while Kennedy supported it, earning him the backing of gay rights organizations in the primary.[14][15] Kennedy ultimately defeated Stachowski by a margin of 63% to 26%.[16] amid a wave of anti-incumbent voter sentiment.[12] Stachowski remained on the ballot on the Independence Party and Working Families Party lines.[17]

In the 2010 general election, Kennedy defeated Republican Assemblyman Jack Quinn III,[18] gaining 47% of the vote to Quinn’s 45%. The remaining votes went to Stachowski.[19]

2012

Seeking reelection in 2012, Kennedy won a primary challenge from Democrat Betty Jean Grant, prevailing by 156 votes.[20] The closeness of the election prompted a protracted court battle heard by Justice Joseph R. Glownia of the State Supreme Court.[21] Kennedy ran uncontested in the November 2012 general election and was re-elected.[22]

2014

In 2014, Kennedy defeated Grant in a Democratic primary rematch, receiving 16,660 votes (60.2%) to Grant’s 10,997 votes (39.8%).[23] The race received much attention, with campaign spending by the candidates and outside groups surpassing $1 million.[24] Kennedy received the backing of the New York State United Teachers and realtors, while Grant received the Erie County Democratic Committee endorsement[25] and help from the Independent Democratic Conference, a breakaway group of state Senate Democrats who sided with Republicans in the Senate.[24] Kennedy’s base of support was South Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Cheektowaga, while Grant’s base of support was Buffalo’s East Side.[26]

In the November 2014 general election, Kennedy (who ran on the Democratic, Working Families, and Independence ballot lines) defeated Ricky T. Donovan, Sr. (who ran on the Republican and Conservative ballot lines). Out of 59,094 total votes, Kennedy received 42,278 (71.5%), while Donovan received 11,973 (20.3%).[27]

2016

In the 2016 general election, Kennedy ran unopposed on the Democratic, Working Families, Independence, and Women’s Equality ballot lines and received 89,650 votes.[28]

2018

In 2018, Kennedy defeated Shaqurah Zachery in a Democratic primary, winning 23,640 (76.6%) of the vote.[29] He ran unopposed in the general election.[30]

Tenure

Kennedy speaking on a resolution to remember the victims of the 2022 Buffalo shooting on May 10, 2023
2011–2018

In 2011, Kennedy voted in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in New York.[31][32] Kennedy lost the support of the Conservative Party in 2012 following his vote on the marriage issue.[33]

Also in 2011, Kennedy authored Jay-J’s Law, which sought to stiffen penalties for repeat child abusers by increasing the look back period in which someone can be charged with aggravated assault. The bill was named after Jay-J Bolvin, a young boy who suffered 11 fractured bones, a severe seizure disorder and developmental delays as a result of a severe beating from his father, who had previously been convicted of assaulting one of his other sons. The bill was passed by the legislature and later signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo in July 2013.[34]

In 2012, Kennedy introduced a package of four bills to combat the opioid epidemic in New York. One of the bills would create a prescription-monitoring system for physicians and pharmacists to track the prescription of narcotic painkillers. This proposal was made by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.[35]

Kennedy ran for State Senate in 2010 as a pro-life candidate.[36] In 2013, Kennedy cast a procedural vote for the tenth point of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Women’s Equality Act, which would have expanded abortion rights in New York. In February 2014, Kennedy acknowledged that his position on abortion had “evolved” and that he supported the tenth point of the Women’s Equality Act; he added, “‘I believe at the end of the day that a woman has to be able to make a decision upon her health, her life and her family that is in her best interests and their best interests’”. Pro-choice groups praised his shift on the issue,[33] while Bishop Richard Malone of the Buffalo diocese of the Roman Catholic Church criticized him for it.[37] In 2019, Kennedy voted in favor of the Reproductive Health Act,[38] which was described by The Buffalo News as “the most sweeping set of protections to the state’s abortion laws in 49 years”.[39]

In 2013, Kennedy co-sponsored legislation to increase the state minimum wage to $9 an hour, and automatically adjust the minimum wage to account for cost-of-living increases.[40]

In May 2013, Kennedy introduced a Jackie’s Law into the Senate, which was prompted by the death of West Seneca woman Jackie Wisniewski, who was killed after being stalked by a former boyfriend using a GPS tracking device on her car. Kennedy’s bill updated New York’s stalking statutes by allowing police to pursue criminal charges against those who use electronic tracking devices to stalk victims. Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes sponsored companion legislation in the Assembly. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law in July 2014.[41]

In 2014, Kennedy introduced legislation that would limit the state’s legal immunity for claims for damages. The legislation would specifically amend Section 58 of the State Highway Law, which immunizes the state from “liability for damages arising from defects in its highways” during cold-weather months. The bill proposed by Kennedy “would allow motorists to seek damages from the state for ‘egregious or unreasonable’ defects year-round or when it was given prior notice of a defect.”[42] State Assemblyman Thomas J. Abinanti filed companion legislation in the State Assembly.[42]

Kennedy has been a supporter of the legalization of mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York, which at the time was the only U.S. state to bar MMA events.[43] Kennedy argued that MMA could economically benefit Western New York, with events at First Niagara Center in Buffalo benefiting local businesses.[44] The legal status of MMA had been a state political issue for years; the state Senate passed legalization legislation seven times over six years, but the bills were not taken up by the State Assembly. Kennedy expressed disappointment at the failure to pass the legislation in 2015,[43] and welcomed passage of MMA legislation in 2016.[44]

In 2017, Kennedy supported legalizing vehicle for hire companies in all areas of New York State.[45]

2019−2024
Kennedy speaking at the launch of voluntary COVID-19 screening program for MTA employees on October 27, 2020

When the Democratic Party won the majority in the State Senate in 2018, Kennedy was appointed chair of the New York State Senate Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capital Investment Committee.[46] He also served on the Finance, Rules, Energy & Telecommunications, Insurance, Banks, and Social Services Committees.[5]

In his first year chairing of the Senate Transportation Committee, Kennedy secured $100 million for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Buffalo Metro Rail System.[47] Kennedy was one of the main players in getting a new Amtrak Buffalo–Exchange Street station built.

In 2019, Kennedy convened a Transportation Committee hearing about Limousine Safety, where families of victims of the Schoharie County and Suffolk County limousine crashes testified.[48] Subsequently, the New York State Senate passed a package of bills designed to improve bus and limousine safety.[49]

Also in his first year as chairman of the Transportation Committee, Kennedy authored legislation that became law allowing school districts to install cameras on the back of school buses to catch vehicles illegally and dangerously passing stopped buses.[50]

During his tenure as Transportation Committee chair, he secured historic investments in local roads and bridges, through the CHIPS, PAVE NY and BRIDGE NY programs.[51]

In 2020, Kennedy passed legislation that became law to allow striking workers to collect unemployment insurance after two weeks, when striking workers previously had to wait seven weeks prior to filing for unemployment.[52]

In 2022, after the racist shooting at Tops grocery store in Buffalo, Kennedy supported a “landmark legislative package to immediately strengthen the state’s gun laws, close critical loopholes exposed by shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde and protect New Yorkers from the scourge of gun violence that continues to infect our nation and endanger our communities.”[53]

U.S. House of Representatives

2024 special election

Main article: 2024 New York’s 26th congressional district special election

On November 14, 2023, Kennedy announced that he would run for the soon-to-be vacated congressional seat held at the time by Brian Higgins.[54] He won the election on April 30, 2024, defeating Republican nominee Gary Dickson.[55] Kennedy received 68.6% of the vote to Dickson’s 31.3%.[56]

2024

Kennedy was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on May 6, 2024.[57]

The first bill Kennedy cosponsored was H.R. 2530, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. In his first floor speech, he highlighted the need for safe staffing nurse-to-patient ratios.[58]

On the second anniversary of the racist shooting at Tops grocery store in Buffalo, Kennedy honored the victims in a 30-minute special order proceeding where he was joined by Rep. Jim Clyburn.[59] He also introduced legislation with Rep. Grace Meng to ban the sale of enhanced body armor, which was used by the shooter in Buffalo.[60]

Personal life

Kennedy lives in Buffalo with his wife Katie and their three children.[6]

He is Roman Catholic[37] and has Irish heritage.[61]

References

  1. ^ a b “Timothy M. Kennedy”. nysenate.gov. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  2. ^ “Tim Kennedy”. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  3. ^ “Buffalo, NY”. www.buffalony.gov. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  4. ^ “D’Youville College Directory Detail Results”. www.dyc.edu. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  5. ^ a b c “About Timothy M. Kennedy”. www.nysenate.gov. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  6. ^ a b “Timothy Kennedy’s Biography”. Vote Smart.
  7. ^ Precious, Tom (January 2, 2019). “Tim Kennedy: From South Buffalo roots to Albany power broker”. The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  8. ^ “Erie County Board of Elections” (PDF). www.elections.erie.gov. [dead link‍]
  9. ^ “Erie County Board of Elections 2005 General Election Results” (PDF).
  10. ^ “Erie County Board of Elections 2007 General Election Results” (PDF).
  11. ^ Jimmy Vielkind,
    “Kennedy, the non-Stachowski”, Albany Times Union (September 14, 2010).
  12. ^ a b Stephen T. Watson, “Kennedy wrests nod from Stachowski”, Buffalo News (September 15, 2010).
  13. ^ Schindler, Paul (August 3, 2010). “Top Gay Groups See Choice in Buffalo”. Gay City News. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013.
  14. ^ “Splits Among Gay Political Activists Rankle Efforts To Flip Seats”, The Capitol (October 18, 2010).
  15. ^ Julie Bolcer,
    “Antigay Democrat defeated by Tim Kennedy”, The Advocate (September 14, 2010).
  16. ^ Matt Krueger, “Kennedy ousts Stachowski”, Cheektowaga Bee (September 19, 2010)
  17. ^ Staff (October 5, 2010). “Stachowski presence hinders Kennedy”. Buffalo News.
  18. ^ “Kennedy tops Quinn in $3 million race”. The Buffalo News. November 3, 2010.
  19. ^ “New York State Legislature – Election Results 2010”. The New York Times.
  20. ^ “Erie County Board of Elections 2012 Democratic Primary Results” (PDF).
  21. ^ Nancy A. Fischer, “Betty Jean Grant makes it official: She’s running for mayor”, Buffalo News (April 23, 2017).
  22. ^ “2012 Election Results: New York State Legislature”. The New York Times.
  23. ^ “New York State Board of Elections 2014 Primary Election Results” (PDF).
  24. ^ a b Susan Schulman, “Kennedy-Grant Senate race gains attention, cash from outside groups”, Buffalo News (September 6, 2014).
  25. ^ “Erie County Democrats Rallying Behind Incumbents For State Senate”. www.nystateofpolitics.com. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  26. ^ McCarthy, Robert J. (September 10, 2014). “Kennedy defeats Grant for second time”. The Buffalo News.
  27. ^ Senate Election Returns November 4, 2014 Archived December 27, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, New York State Board of Elections, p. 14.
  28. ^ Senate Election Returns November 8, 2016 Archived September 21, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, New York State Board of Elections, p. 35.
  29. ^ “- Erie County Board of Elections” (PDF). www.elections.erie.gov.
  30. ^ “Erie County Board of Elections 2018 General Election Results” (PDF).
  31. ^ “Grisanti vote helps gay marriage bill pass New York state Senate”. Niagara Gazette. June 24, 2011.
  32. ^ Confessore, Nicholas; Barbaro, Michael (June 25, 2011). “New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law” – via NYTimes.com.
  33. ^ a b McCarthy, Robert J. (February 15, 2014). “Kennedy’s ‘evolution’ to pro-choice stance earns praise, criticism”. The Buffalo News.
  34. ^ “Governor Cuomo Signs Jay-J’s Law to Toughen Penalties for Child Abusers” (Press release). Andrew M. Cuomo. September 28, 2014.
  35. ^ Kleinfield, N. R. (January 11, 2012). “Oxycodone Prescriptions Rose Sharply in New York, Schneiderman Report Says”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331.
  36. ^ Hendershott, Anne (March 4, 2014). “Buffalo’s New Bishop Confronts Politician’s Duplicity on Abortion”. Crisis Magazine.
  37. ^ a b McCarthy, Robert J. (March 9, 2014). “Anti-abortion ads on radio taking graphic aim at Kennedy’s pro-choice stance”. The Buffalo News.
  38. ^ “NY State Senate Bill S240”. NY State Senate. January 2, 2019.
  39. ^ Precious, Tom (January 22, 2019). “Long-stalled abortion bill passes New York Legislature”. The Buffalo News.
  40. ^ Glynn, Matt (February 25, 2013). “Minimum wage rally frames proposed increase in human terms”. The Buffalo News.
  41. ^ “Governor Cuomo Signs Jackie’s Law, Authored by Senator Kennedy and Assemblywoman Peoples-Stokes, to Crack Down on GPS Stalking and Domestic Violence” (Press release). New York State Senate. July 23, 2014.
  42. ^ a b Roberts, Sam (April 29, 2014). “Taking On a Pothole Law: In Winter, New York State Rejects Drivers’ Claims”. The New York Times.
  43. ^ a b Spector, Joseph (June 26, 2015). “MMA bill will wait until next year”. The Journal News.
  44. ^ a b Schneider, Avery (January 26, 2016). “MMA and its possible economic benefits get one step closer to being legal in New York, again”. WBFO. Buffalo, NY. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
  45. ^ Pignataro, T.J. (April 8, 2017). “You bet your app: Ride hailing upstate may debut by July 4”. Buffalo News.
  46. ^ Precious, Tom (December 11, 2018). “Tim Kennedy gets key state Senate committee post”. The Buffalo News. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
  47. ^ Precious, Tom (March 31, 2019). “State budget talks result in $100M for Metro Rail improvements”. The Buffalo News. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  48. ^ Rulison, Larry (May 3, 2019). “Sorrow, anger from families of limo crash victims at hearing”. Albany Times Union.
  49. ^ “Senator Kennedy and State Colleagues Advance Limo Safety Legislation”.
  50. ^ “NYS Senate, Assembly strike deal on school bus cameras”.
  51. ^ Whalen, Ryan (April 6, 2021). “Budget Deal Includes Big Boost in Infrastructure Funding”.
  52. ^ “New York to Allow Striking Workers to Collect Unemployment After Two Weeks”.
  53. ^ “Governor Hochul Signs Landmark Legislative Package to Strengthen Gun Laws and Protect New Yorkers”.
  54. ^ Specht, Charlie (November 14, 2023). “Tim Kennedy announces candidacy to succeed Brian Higgins in Congress”. The Buffalo News.
  55. ^ Joly, Aidan (April 30, 2024). “AP: Tim Kennedy declared winner in NY-26 special election”. WIVB-TV. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  56. ^ “New York State Board of Elections”.
  57. ^ “Congressman Tim Kennedy Sworn in to Serve in the House of Representatives”.
  58. ^ “In His First Floor Speech Since Swearing In, Congressman Kennedy Highlights Need For Safe Staffing Nurse-to-Patient Ratios, Calls for Passage of H.R. 2530”.
  59. ^ “On the Second Anniversary of 5/14 Attack, Rep. Tim Kennedy Leads Floor Proceedings Honoring Memories of Those Killed, Calls for Action to Address Gun Violence”.
  60. ^ “MENG AND KENNEDY INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO KEEP ENHANCED BODY ARMOR OUT OF THE HANDS OF MASS SHOOTERS”.
  61. ^ Kennedy, Tim (March 18, 2024). “If you know me, you know celebrating my Irish heritage isn’t just dedicated to one day a year. This past weekend was something special though – a proper Buffalo OFW parade with our incredible team, followed by a St. Patrick’s Day commemoration at the @whitehouse. Sláinte!”. Instagram. Instagram. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
New York State Senate
Preceded by

 Member of the New York State Senate
from the 58th district
2011–2013		Succeeded by

New constituency Member of the New York State Senate
from the 63rd district
2013–2024		Vacant
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New York’s 26th congressional district
2024–present		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

 United States representatives by seniority
425th		Succeeded by


source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Kennedy_(politician)#