BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins is planning to leave Congress, and although Higgins has made no official announcement, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is ready to discuss the future.
"I look forward to a conversation about the future of this very diverse district so it can meet the needs of all our residents," Brown said in a statement issued Friday afternoon.
2 On Your Side first reported Higgins' plans to step down after sources close to the Democratic lawmaker told Channel 2 that Higgins would be named the new president and CEO of Shea's Performing Arts Center.
2 On Your Side contacted Higgins and Shea's Performing Arts Center for comment, but they have yet to respond.
'An honor to stand with him'
Higgins has served as a congressman since 2005. He represents New York's 26th Congressional District, which includes Buffalo, Lackawanna, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, and North Tonawanda.
Mayor Brown said, "Higgins has delivered exceptional results for Buffalo and Western New York during his time in Washington. ... It's been an honor to stand with him, and work with him, on so many key projects for the benefit of the residents of the City of Buffalo."
The statement did not mention if Brown intended to run for Congress and replace Higgins.
Brown is the longest-serving Mayor in Buffalo's history, first taking office in 2006. Before becoming Mayor, Brown served as the first African-American state senator elected outside of New York City to serve in the New York State Senate. He was sworn into office in 2001.
Last June, Brown responded to questions about his plans to remain in office when news broke that he might leave for another position.
2 On Your Side asked Brown, "Do you intend to fill out your four-year term?" Brown responded, "My intention is to fill out my four-year term but you never say never."