Call him Congressman Kennedy.
The now former New York State Senator took his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives Monday and in so doing thanks the voters in Western New York for sending him to Washington on their behalf.
In his inaugural remarks on the floor, this after being sworn in by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Congressman Kennedy said in part: “I believe the character traits that define us in the Buffalo Niagara Region are the same ideals held by all Americans.
"I believe the hope we hold as a Western New York community in achieving our greatest potential is shared equally by all communities across the country. I look forward to working with you to change our country for the better.
"I am hopeful that we, in this chamber, can demonstrate leadership on a world stage that our fellow Americans can be proud of. I wish to thank, once again, the people of Western New York for having faith in me to lead our community and our country in the United States Congress.”
Kennedy won more than 68% of the vote in the April 30 special election. He will stand before voters again in November's general election.
Speaker Johnson noted that with Kennedy's swearing in, the House now has 430 sitting members. There are five current vacancies.
New York’s 26th congressional district, according to a release from the congressman's office, includes portions of Erie and Niagara Counties in Western New York, including the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
The district also currently includes the entirety of the Towns of Amherst, Cheektowaga, Grand Island, Tonawanda, Cambria, Lewiston, Niagara, Pendleton, Porter, Niagara, and Wilson, the Cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda, as well as portions of the Towns of Lockport and West Seneca.
Added the release: "Tim Kennedy comes to Congress after representing the Greater Buffalo community for thirteen years in the New York State Senate, where he most recently served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation and of the Senate Subcommittee on State-Native American Relations. Prior to serving in state and county government, Kennedy worked as a licensed occupational therapist. He and his wife Katie, a practicing physical therapist, live in Buffalo, New York and have three children."
Katie and the three were present in the visitors' gallery as Congressman Kennedy took his oath of office and delivered his inaugural speech.
The swearing in and inaugural speech, courtesy of FedNet, can be viewed at https://youtu.be/XLsluz0GSJI?si=3XtT7jLIMGav9yFh
