Tim Kennedy (politician)

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On November 14, 2023, Kennedy announced that he would run for the soon-to-be vacated congressional seat held at the time by Brian Higgins. [45]

Finance concerns

In 2023, Kennedy's state campaign committee spent nearly $1.5 million on political advertisements and consultants—more than double what Kennedy spent on his two previous re-election campaigns combined, [46] despite not being up for re-election in 2023. [47] This state political campaign spending spike raised concerns about potential violations of federal election law after Kennedy announced his candidacy for New York's 26th congressional district on November 14, 2023 following announcements that Higgins would resign from his seat in early 2024. [45] In fact, over $1 million of Kennedy's 2023 state campaign expenditures came after July, when rumors of Higgins’ impending departure began circulating. [48]

Under federal law, using state campaign funds to support someone's candidacy for federal office is illegal, as federal campaign finance laws are more strict than state campaign finance laws. [46] [48] The concern was that Kennedy's state campaign spending, if aimed at furthering his federal congressional ambitions, might violate these federal regulations.

Despite Kennedy's reassurances of compliance, he is now facing an impending investigation by the Federal Election Commission after the filing of a complaint outlining alleged federal campaign finance violations. [48]

Personal life

Kennedy lives in Buffalo with his wife Katie and their three children. [5]

He is Roman Catholic. [34]

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References

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  2. "Buffalo, NY". www.buffalony.gov. Retrieved January 15, 2019.
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  22. 1 2 Susan Schulman, "Kennedy-Grant Senate race gains attention, cash from outside groups", Buffalo News (September 6, 2014).
  23. "Erie County Democrats Rallying Behind Incumbents For State Senate". www.nystateofpolitics.com. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
  24. McCarthy, Robert J. (September 10, 2014). "Kennedy defeats Grant for second time". The Buffalo News.
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  29. "Grisanti vote helps gay marriage bill pass New York state Senate". Niagara Gazette. June 24, 2011.
  30. Confessore, Nicholas; Barbaro, Michael (June 25, 2011). "New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law" via NYTimes.com.
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  32. "Governor Cuomo Signs Jay-J's Law to Toughen Penalties for Child Abusers" (Press release). Andrew M. Cuomo. September 28, 2014.
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Tim Kennedy
Timothy M. Kennedy.jpg
Member of the New York State Senate
Assumed office
January 1, 2011
New York State Senate
Preceded by Member of the New York State Senate
from the 58th district

2011–2013
Succeeded by
New constituency Member of the New York State Senate
from the 63rd district

2013–present
Incumbent