[BN] Politics Now: Mayor Byron Brown seriously exploring NY-26 Congress run

It was easy to dismiss a potential Byron Brown candidacy for the 26th Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Brian Higgins.

That’s because Buffalo’s longest-serving mayor is often floated for higher political jobs but has never taken one. Eight years ago, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo wanted Brown to be the state’s lieutenant governor but, according to former Cuomo aide Melissa DeRosa, passed on Brown because the feds were sniffing around Buffalo City Hall. 

It also seemed like Brown was preoccupied with the prospect of becoming president of his alma mater, SUNY Buffalo State University, even going so far as to take night classes at Daemen University so that he could qualify for the post. 

In recent weeks, though, something appears to have shifted. Perhaps he is not getting the Buffalo State job. Whatever the reason, sources close to the mayor tell me that he is serious about a possible NY-26 run. He hasn’t yet made his decision, they say, but it’s more than a casual flirtation. He’s not keeping the door open just for publicity – which he seems to enjoy – but because it’s a real possibility. 

One reason to take a Brown candidacy seriously is the mayor’s close relationship with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who could – depending on what happens in November – be the next House Speaker, as well as Rep. Gregory Meeks.

Both men developed relationships with Brown when they were state legislators, before Brown ascended to the mayoralty from the State Senate. They are also members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

They and some other Washington Democrats appear to view Brown differently than some in Western New York. He’s viewed less as a manager at the end of his career and more of a historic figure as Buffalo’s first Black mayor – and potentially its first Black member of Congress. Former aides like Steve Casey are said to be advising him about the…