Rep. Brian Higgins to Resign Friday; Update on House Vacancies

Rep. Brian Higgins (D, NY-26) will leave the House of Representatives on Friday. He will transition to a new role as the President and CEO of Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. Higgins announced his departure back in November.

Once his resignation is official, the House will be at 431 members, with four vacancies. Republicans will hold a 219-212 partisan advantage. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul must call a special election within 10 days; it is likely to take place in April. Party officials in the affected areas will choose the nominees.

Democrats are expected to hold the seat.

Here is the special election status of the three other vacancies, all previously held by Republicans.

New York 3rd District - February 13

George Santos was expelled on December 1, 2023. Party officials in the relevant counties selected the nominees. Former Rep. Tom Suozzi (D) and Mazi Melesa Pilip (R) will be on the ballot.

Of the four vacant seats, this is the only one considered competitive in terms of party control. In a mid-January poll, Suozzi held a 45% to 42% lead, which is within the margin of error. 

California 20th District  - March 19 (and May 21, if needed)

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy resigned at the end of last year. An all party primary will be held on March 19. If a candidate gets a majority of the vote, they are elected. If not, the top two finishers will meet in a May 21 election. 

Republicans are expected to hold the seat.

Ohio 6th District - June 11

Bill Johnson resigned in January to lead Youngstown State University. Party primaries will be held March 19, which is the same date as Ohio's regular 2024 primary. That means voters in the district will cast two separate votes for this office. The same candidates - three Republicans, two Democrats - are seeking to complete Johnson's term and run for a two-year term in November.  

Republicans are expected to hold the seat.