The 26th Congressional District of New York is a congressional district for the United States House of Representatives in Western New York. It includes parts of Erie and Niagara counties. The district includes the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. The office of representative for this district became vacant on February 9, 2011 following the resignation of Republican Chris Lee. A special election was held May 24, 2011, and Democrat Kathy Hochul was elected. After redistricting, Brian Higgins has represented the district since 2013.