Timothy M. Kennedy
Democrat Representative of New York's 26th district
Representative
New York, district 26
May 6, 2024 - January 3, 2025
1
Congresses Served
1
House Terms
October 1, 1976 (48 years old)
Birthday
- Elected U.S. representative for New York’s 26th congressional district in a special election in April 2024.
- Served in the New York State Senate from 2011 to 2024.
- Raised in South Buffalo as one of five children; his father was Buffalo’s commissioner of assessment and taxation, and his mother was a retired nurse and nursing instructor.
- Holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from D’Youville University.
- Worked as a licensed occupational therapist from 1999 to 2010.
- Began his political career in the Erie County Legislature in 2004, representing the 2nd district.
- Supported same-sex marriage, earning the backing of gay rights organizations during his political career.
- Authored legislation to stiffen penalties for repeat child abusers and introduced bills to combat the opioid epidemic in New York.
- Supported the legalization of mixed martial arts (MMA) in New York and was a proponent of legalizing vehicle for hire companies statewide.
- Chaired the New York State Senate Transportation, Infrastructure, and Capital Investment Committee, securing significant funding for transportation projects.
- Faced finance concerns in 2023 regarding potential violations of federal election law due to campaign spending.
- Lives in Buffalo with his wife Katie and their three children; identifies as Roman Catholic with Irish heritage.