New Buffalo Congressman Tim Kennedy takes the oath of office

But then something happened that wasn’t necessary at all. Jeffries, a fellow New Yorker, turned to Kennedy’s parents and said, “I’m a big fan of Tim.”

That seemed to be the theme of an evening that proved that Buffalo’s new congressman is no stranger to Washington — and that he is a welcome new member of a Democratic minority striving to become a majority .

Moments later, Kennedy appeared on the House floor and was greeted by what appeared to be a receiving line, with one New York Democratic lawmaker after another shaking hands or hugging the beaming politician and bald from South Buffalo. Then, New York Republicans such as Reps. Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney crossed the aisle to say hello.

Minutes later, the senior member of New York’s congressional delegation, Rep. Jerry Nadler of Manhattan, took the microphone on the House floor to introduce Kennedy, saying the future congressman “represents hard work, family and the fight”. for the little guy.” Kennedy is a “wonderful addition” to Western New York’s cadre of federal lawmakers, Nadler added.

With a who’s who of South Buffalo Democratic politics looking on from the House gallery, Kennedy then took the oath of office. And after a warm ovation, he outlined his thoughts on his new job and responsibility: replacing former Rep. Brian Higgins, a fellow Democrat from South Buffalo who held that seat for 19 years.

Thanking his family and everyone who helped him become one of the 435 members of the House, Kennedy said, “This tremendous, wonderful responsibility that has been entrusted to me by the people of Western State from New York. I am grateful to those who have entrusted me with their vote and trust to represent our beloved Buffalo Niagara region in the United States Congress.

A longtime state senator who represented part of the same territory in Albany, Kennedy continued to deliver remarks that could only be uttered by a proud Buffalo homeboy.

“I believe the character traits that define us in the Buffalo Niagara region are the same ideals held by all Americans,” he said. “I believe the hope we have as a Western New York community to realize 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.”

Kennedy’s presence surely improves the prospects of the Democratic minority in the House, to the extent that it reduces the Republican majority. With Kennedy’s ascension to the House, Democrats hold 213 seats, while Republicans have 217, with five seats vacant.

The new lawmaker quickly settled into his temporary quarters: Higgins’ coveted office with a commanding view of the Capitol, a place he will almost certainly have to cede to a more experienced lawmaker after the November election.

He also began to become accustomed to the detailed work of a member of Congress, earning his first committee assignment. He will serve on the House Homeland Security Committee.

“I’m really excited to have been appointed to the Homeland Security Committee at such a critical time,” he said in a later interview, citing the economic importance of the border to his hometown.

Once official business was over, Kennedy and his entourage of dozens of South Buffalo political types retreated to Washington, where Irish American politicians retreat — the Dubliner, a classic Irish pub on Capitol Hill — to celebrate. .

And this was not a normal celebration either. Alongside Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon, former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn, and other familiar faces, the celebration was attended by virtually every Democratic member of Congress from New York, with no talk about a much more familiar character dressed in an orange suit.

When asked if she regularly attended celebrations for new lawmakers who come to Washington or if her visit to Kennedy’s celebration was something special, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “It It’s something special. Tim Kennedy’s swearing in was eagerly awaited by all of us. He is a lovely person and we are happy to welcome his family to Washington.