Erie County Dems Endorse Tim Kennedy for NY26

Erie County Democrats Thursday unanimously endorsed state Senator Tim Kennedy for the 26th  Congressional District seat soon to be vacated by Congressman Brian Higgins.  

Today’s endorsement is for the June primary and November general election cycles. It will also  guide Democratic Chairman Jeremy J. Zellner when nominating a candidate for the special  election that will follow Higgins’ resignation. 

“I’m humbled and honored to receive the endorsement from the Erie County Democratic Party  tonight, and I remain deeply committed to delivering for the people and the families of Western  New York who believe in building a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous future together,”  said Senator Tim Kennedy. “This campaign isn’t about me – it’s about the shared vision we have  for our state and our nation, and the values we continue to uphold even in the face of radical  attempts to dismantle our democracy. I thank Chairman Zellner and the entire Democratic  Committee for joining me as I take my fight to Washington and prioritize the voices of our  greater community.” 

“Over nearly 20 years, from the County Legislature to the state Senate, Tim Kennedy has been  an outstanding leader devoted to serving and standing up for Western New York,” Chairman  Zellner said.  

“Whether bringing home millions for vital transportation projects, building a local workforce for  the future, protecting children from domestic violence, ensuring the civil liberties of every New  Yorker, or breaking down barriers between voters and the ballot, Senator Kennedy is one of our  region’s most effective voices in Albany. 

“And he has been an invaluable partner in making the Erie County Democratic Party the strong  and united organization it has become,” Zellner said. “Tonight, we’re proud to endorse Tim  Kennedy in the 26th Congressional District, and we know he will continue to make us proud  when he arrives in Washington, DC, and that he will be a defender of our democracy at a time  when it is threatened by Republican extremism.” 

Congressman Higgins will step down in early February to become President of Shea’s  Performing Arts Center. Gov. Kathy Hochul will then call for a special election that will occur

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Second campaign manager jumps ship on embattled Dem candidate after one week: report



The teetering campaign of Maine oysterman Graham Platner to be the Democratic Party’s nominee to oppose Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) should she run for re-election in 2026 suffered another blow over the weekend.

According to a report from Axios’ Holly Otterbein on Monday, Kevin Brown, who took the place of departed former political director Genevieve McDonald on the Platner campaign, is bowing out after taking the job last Tuesday.

Brown, a longtime friend of the potential nominee for the U.S. Senate seat, issued a statement to Axios explaining, “Graham is a dear friend. I started this campaign Tuesday but found out Friday we have a baby on the way. Graham deserves someone who is 100% in on his race and we want to lean into this new experience as a family, so it was best we step back sooner than later so Graham can get the manager he deserves."

The political neophyte has been battered by revelations about his past for days after making a splash as a potential threat to Collins, whose seat is considered vulnerable because of Donald Trump’s unpopularity.

As Otterbien wrote, “It's the latest in a series of personnel shakeups for Platner's campaign, which was endorsed by progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) but has been thrown into turmoil because Platner made controversial social media posts in the past and had a tattoo that looked like a Nazi symbol.”

“The Democratic Senate primary in Maine has become a battle between the party establishment and its progressive wing. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) is the top target for Senate Democrats in the 2026 midterms,” she added before pointing out the Gov. Janet Mills (D) jumped into the race last week, adding more turmoil to the closely-watched race.

You can read more here.

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