Brian Higgins
Brian Higgins (born October 6, 1959) is the U.S. Representative for New York's 26th congressional district, serving since 2005. The district, numbered as the 27th District from 2005 to 2013, includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He is a member of the Democratic Party; and is an active member of several congressional committees and caucuses. Higgins was born and raised in Buffalo, and graduated from college in Buffalo, later obtaining his graduate degrees from both Buffalo State College and Harvard University. Self-described as both an independent and conservative Democrat, Higgins is also considered a centrist. Higgins supports the strengthening of Social Security in the United States, and has been a proponent for nationwide universal healthcare. He further supports national and regional economic development. Previously being pro-life, Higgins' position is now pro-choice. He has also supported efforts for peace in many areas of the world, and has been actively involved in the Northern Ireland peace process. Higgins resides in South Buffalo with his wife, Mary Jane. He has two adult children, Maeve and John.