The House Democratic caucus gained a new member Monday with the swearing-in of Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.) narrowing Republicans’ slim majority to just one vote. Kennedy won a special election last week to fill the seat once held by Rep. Brian Higgins.
“I stand before you humbled by the opportunity God has given us to be together in this moment” Kennedy said addressing his colleagues. “This awesome and magnificent responsibility granted to me by the people of western New York. I look forward to working with you to change our country for the better. I’m hopeful that we in this chamber can demonstrate leadership on a world stage that our fellow Americans can be proud of.”
Newest House member sworn in. Rep. Tim Kennedy D-NY. The House is now 217 R – 213 D. pic.twitter.com/RWahxUBek5
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) May 6, 2024
Kennedy’s presence brings the full House back to 430 members with Republicans holding a 217-213 majority meaning Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose one vote on any given measure for it to pass along party lines.
Kennedy is set to run in the primary election on June 25 to be elected to the seat for a full term next Congress facing a challenge from former Democratic congressional candidate Nate McMurray. The winner of that election is favored to win the general election in November.
Grateful to be here and excited to get started. Tune in as I'm sworn in to the House of Representatives at https://t.co/MxyxMkAvtG! pic.twitter.com/vElFQQQK8l
— Rep. Tim Kennedy (@RepTimKennedy) May 6, 2024
The latest alteration to the makeup of the House comes as the chamber seeks to fill several other vacancies announced in recent months including seats vacated by Reps. Kevin McCarthy Bill Johnson Mike Gallagher and Ken Buck who each resigned before their term expired as well as the seat of the late Rep. Donald Payne.
