Brian Higgins, American politician
Brian Michael Higgins (born October 6, 1959) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for New York's 26th congressional district, serving since 2005. The district, numbered as the 27th district from 2005 to 2013, includes Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He is a member of the Democratic Party, and is a member of several congressional committees and caucuses. Higgins was born and raised in Buffalo, and graduated from college in Buffalo, later obtaining graduate degrees from Buffalo State College and Harvard University.Self-described as both an independent and conservative Democrat, Higgins is also considered a centrist. He supports the strengthening of Social Security, and has been a proponent for a public option for health insurance. He further supports national and regional economic development. Previously anti-abortion, Higgins now supports abortion rights. He has also supported efforts for peace in many areas of the world, and has been actively involved in the Northern Ireland peace process.