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

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Voters in New York’s 26th Congressional District have six days to vote to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins.

The two candidates, Republican Gary Dixon and Democrat Tim Kennedy, appeared on News 4 on Wednesday, participating in the only debate of the race.

The clear winner in the debate was domestic voters, as both Kennedy and Dixon had a chance to defend their campaigns as the special election approached.

Democratic state Sen. Tim Kennedy has held the position since January 2011, and Republican Gary Dixon has served as West Seneca town supervisor since 2019.

The race for the vacant House seat began after Rep. Brian Higgins resigned in February.

Both candidates say they can succeed him and lead Western New York to prosperity.

“My expectations for myself are to carry on and continue the momentum that was created by him and his accomplishments,” Kennedy said.

“It’s very complex, including housing and including economics.” [in our area] And continuing to do what we’ve been doing for years will never fix it. We need new ways of thinking,” Dixon said.

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

“If the president says we are doing everything we can to keep illegal immigrants from our borders and then comes to Congress, I will support additional resources for them,” Dixon continued. .

“The bottom line is there is a solution. It was created in a bipartisan manner by the United States Senate. It will secure the border,” Kennedy responded.

News 4 finished the debate Wednesday by talking with political analysts about what they think worked well for the candidates.

“Senator Kennedy’s answer was very strong on immigration. I thought he was talking about border security. He was talking about border security. He really plundered the bipartisan agreement. “Putting the blame at the feet of Senate Republicans who did so,” said political analyst Jess Schuster.

“Gary spoke specifically. Gary talked about the Maryville School District, which is about $400,000 in funding short due to the immigration crisis,” added political analyst Matt Brown.

Abortion was another hot topic during Wednesday’s debate, along with ballots. Each candidate is attacking the issue from opposite directions.

“A woman’s right to choose needs to be legislated at the federal level,” Kennedy said.

Dixon responded: “Personally, I don’t think this should be a federal issue. It should be done at the state level.” Let voters cast their votes. ”

“Our Supreme Court said this is a states’ rights decision. Gary was spot on when he talked about other states that have referendums. Let the voters decide. ‘ added Mr Brown.

“Senator Kennedy has taken the issue of abortion head on, an issue that is of great concern to Democratic voters and has become the national mobilization tool we’ve seen since Dobbs,” Schuster said. He continued.

News 4 asked each candidate what they think is their party’s biggest weakness and how they would overcome it.

“Both parties have what I would colloquially call insanity. So instead of demonizing these issues, we need to work with others to solve them.” Dixon concluded.

“I think if there is a weakness at the moment, it is that we are a minority party. The people of this great country need a functioning government that is more reflective of the people who live here. They are not currently under Republican control,” Kennedy concluded.

Early voting has already begun in preparation for Tuesday’s special election.

A general election for the seat will be held on November 5th, with the winner receiving a two-year term starting in January.