Political analysts weigh in on hot topics from NY-26 debate

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — In less than six days, voters in New York’s 26th congressional district will cast their ballots to fill the unexpired term of congressman Brian Higgins.

The two candidates, Republican Gary Dickson and Democrat Tim Kennedy appeared on News 4 Wednesday for this race’s only debate.

The clear winner in the debate was the voters at home as both Kennedy and Dickson had a chance to defend their campaigns as we get closer to the special election.

Democratic state senator Tim Kennedy has been in his current role since January of 2011. Republican Gary Dickson has been West Seneca’s town supervisor since 2019.

The race for the vacated congressional seat comes after congressman Brian Higgins departure in February.

Both candidates say they can fill his shoes and lead Western New York to prosperity.

“My expectation of myself is to go and to continue the momentum that’s been created by him and his legacy,” said Kennedy.

“Including housing, including the economy are very complicated [in our area] and it’s not going to ever be solved by continuing to do what we’ve been doing for a long time. We need some new thinking,” Dickson stated.

One of the voters’ biggest concerns on the ballot is the response to the migrant crisis in Western NY and at the southern border.

“If the president says he is doing all that he can to keep people from coming in illegally on the border and then comes to Congress, I will support additional resources for them,” Dickson continued.

“The bottom line is there is a solution. It has been made in a bipartisan fashion by the United States Senate. It will secure the border,” Kennedy stated in response.

News 4 concluded the debate by sitting down with political analysts on what they thought went well for the candidates on Wednesday.

“Senator Kennedy’s answer was very strong on immigration. I thought he talked about Border patrol. He spoke to securing our borders. He really put the blame at the Senate Republicans feet for ransacking the bipartisan deal,” stated political analyst Jess Schuster.

“Gary talked specifics. Gary talked about the Maryville school district that is underfunded by like $400,000 because of the migrant crisis,” added political analyst Matt Braun.

Abortion was another hot topic on the debate floor Wednesday along with the ballot. Each candidate attacking the issue from opposite directions.

“We need to codify a woman’s right to choose into law at the federal level,” said Kennedy.

Dickson responded by saying, “I personally do not think it should be a federal issue, it should be done at the state level. Let the voters vote.”

“The highest court in our land said that this is a state’s rights decision. Gary was spot on the nose where he’s talking about other states who are doing referendums. Let the voters decide,” Braun added.

“Senator Kennedy went right in on the abortion issue, which has been so strong for Democratic voters and is a mobilizing tool across the country that we’ve seen since the Dobbs decision,” continued Schuster.

News 4 asked each candidate what they think their party’s biggest weakness is and how they will help overcome them.

“Both parties have what we might what I will colloquially call crazies. So, we need to solve these problems by working with other people and not demonizing them,” concluded Dickson.

“I think if there’s any weakness in this moment, it’s that we are the minority party. The people of this great country deserve a functional government that is more reflective of the people that live here. That’s not what they have right now under Republican control,” closed Kennedy.

Early voting has already begun in preparation for the special election on Tuesday.

The general election for the seat will take place on Nov. 5, with the winner earning a two-year term beginning in January.

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Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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