Biography
Timothy M. Kennedy, born on October 20, 1976, in Buffalo, New York, is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for New York's 26th Congressional District. Raised in a blue-collar family, he is one of five children of Martin F. and Mary Kennedy. His father served as Buffalo's commissioner of assessment and taxation, and his mother is a retired nurse and former nursing educator at D'Youville University. Kennedy began his career as a licensed occupational therapist, working with both geriatric and pediatric populations for over a decade. He resides in Buffalo with his wife, Katie, a practicing physical therapist, and their three children: Connor, Eireann, and Padraic.
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville College
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Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from D'Youville College
Political Experience
U.S. House of Representatives : Elected on April 30, 2024, to represent New York's 26th Congressional District, succeeding Brian Higgins. Kennedy serves on the House Homeland Security Committee, with assignments to the Emergency Management and Technology and Transportation and Maritime Security subcommittees. He also sits on the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
New York State Senate : Represented the 63rd District, chairing the Transportation Committee. Kennedy secured significant funding for transportation infrastructure, including a $100 million investment for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's Metro Rail improvements. He championed legislation enhancing safety for school bus passengers, highway workers, and pedestrians, and led efforts to implement limousine safety reforms following tragic accidents. Kennedy also played a pivotal role in passing substantial capital plans for the New York State Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Erie County Legislature : Served as a county legislator, focusing on economic development and public safety initiatives.
Notable Achievements
Environmental Advocacy: As a state senator, Kennedy secured $500 million to purchase electric school buses and supported legislation aiming for net-zero carbon emissions in New York by 2050. In Congress, he continues to advocate for environmental protection, focusing on cleaning up the Great Lakes and promoting renewable energy.
Social Justice Initiatives: Kennedy has been a proponent of marriage equality, voting rights expansion, and reproductive rights. He supported codifying Roe v. Wade in New York and has worked to enhance language access across state government to support New Americans.
Gun Safety Legislation: Following the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting, Kennedy supported comprehensive gun safety reforms to address and prevent gun violence in communities.
Kennedy's legislative career reflects a commitment to public service, focusing on transportation infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social justice, and community safety.
