Brian Higgins (born October 6, 1959) is the U.S. Representative for New York’s 26th congressional district, serving since 2005. The district, numbered as the 27th District from 2005 to 2013, includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He is a member of the Democratic Party; and is an active member of several congressional committees and caucuses.[1] Higgins was born and raised in Buffalo, and graduated from college in Buffalo, later obtaining his graduate degrees from both Buffalo State College and Harvard University.
Self-described as both an independent and conservative Democrat, Higgins is also considered a centrist. Higgins supports the strengthening of Social Security in the United States, and has been a proponent for nationwide universal healthcare[citation needed]. He further supports national and regional economic development. Previously being pro-life, Higgins’ position is now pro-choice. He has also supported efforts for peace in many areas of the world, and has been actively involved in the Northern Ireland peace process.
Early life, education and career
Brian Higgins at his New York State Assembly Office in Albany, New York, February 2000
A native of South Buffalo, Higgins served on the Buffalo Common Council (city council) from 1988 to 1993, representing the South District. Higgins mentioned that his grandparents are from Ireland.
In 1993, during his final year on the Council, Higgins was rated “Buffalo’s Best Lawmaker” in a 1993 Buffalo News Survey of Western New York business and community leaders. Responding to the survey were 158 business, community, and government leaders in Western New York. Higgins earned the highest rating of any political leader with a 3.81 out of a possible score of 5. The Buffalo News stated in regard to Higgins being named top lawmaker, “During his 5 1/2 years on the Council, he has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, soft-spoken lawmaker who has paid attention to both district and citywide concerns.” One community leader stated, “Brian is a very bright, responsible public official,” while a government leader is quoted, saying of Higgins, “The best Councilman in Buffalo. Has great vision.”
Higgins graduated from Buffalo State College with a B.A. in political science in 1984. He later received an M.A. in history from Buffalo State College in 1995, and an M.P.A. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1996. Higgins has also instructed courses on state and local government, and the economic history of Buffalo and Western New York, in the departments of history and economics at Buffalo State College. Further, he served as the 145th District representative to the New York State Assembly from 1999 through 2004.
Summary
| Brian Higgins | |
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 26th district |
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Incumbent
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| Assumed office January 3, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Kathy Hochul |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York’s 27th district |
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| In office January 3, 2005[1] – January 3, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Jack Quinn |
| Succeeded by | Chris Collins |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 145th District | |
| In office 1999 – 2004[1] |
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| Preceded by | Richard Keane |
| Succeeded by | Mark J.F. Schroeder |
| Member of the Buffalo Common Council from the South District |
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| In office 1988–1993 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 6, 1959 Buffalo, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Jane (Hannon) Higgins |
| Relations | Carl Paladino (cousin-in-law) |
| Children | John, Maeve |
| Residence | South Buffalo, New York |
| Alma mater | Buffalo State College (B.A.)(M.A.) Harvard University (M.P.A.) |
| Occupation | Public Official |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |
- Brian Higgins is the cofounder of King Street Capital Management, a distressed-debt focused hedge fund.
- He started King Street in 1995 with fellow billionaire O. Francis Biondi, whom he met on First Boston’s high-yield desk in the late 1980’s.
- King Street Capital Management oversees about $20 billion.
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