Congressman Brown? Hell Yeah!
When I first heard the rumors that Congressman Brian Higgins might be retiring, my mind immediately jumped to Mayor Byron Brown as the perfect successor at the perfect time. It would be the crowning capstone of his historic political career.
Many astute citizens recognize Byron Brown has proven himself as a highly intelligent, capable leader who makes things happen when others can’t. It is no doubt Brown could go to Congress and make an immediate impact for our District, especially with the House being split so evenly. He would become one of a very few Black Congressmen from a majority white District. (The District makes up much of Western New York, including Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lackawanna, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda), which would add to his political clout . This is a once in a political career opportunity, and I sincerely believe Brown should shoot his shot. He deserves it.
Of course, no one is going to give the 26th Congressional seat to Brown. Already State Senator Tim Kennedy has thrown his hat in the ring. Weirdly, congressional candidates do not have to live in the district to run. So, there will be many other wealthy wannabees who are going to want to play with the big boys in Washington. But Brown has always had to overcome naysayers and haters during his whole career, so I am confident the good people of this community understand Brown will be the hardest working Congressman the 26th District has ever had.
As of this writing, Mayor Brown has not declared his candidacy, so I hope I’m not putting the horse before the cart. Higgins does not plan on retiring until February 2024, at which time the governor will call for a special election.
The next question that hit me was, if Byron moves up, who will succeed him? Who is the absolute best politician in this City who checks all the winner boxes? I’ve been wanting to say this sincw the last Mayoral election. I’m referring to City Comptroller Barbara Miller Williams. No other politician in this county is as qualified to be mayor than Comptroller Miller-Williams, a former City Council Member, former Erie County Legislator, retired Buffalo Police Officer, retired military, and an allround gracious lady, who has a reputation as a woman who doesn’t suffer fools lightly. She is a true leader and visionary who will continue the standards Mayor Brown set for the past 20 years.