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Emelia Strong Sykes Rep

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10 25 Emilia Sykes - Wikipedia

Emilia Strong Sykes (born January 4, 1986)[1] is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Ohio's 13th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she formerly represented the 34th district of the Ohio House of Representatives, which consists of portions of the Akron area. From 2019 until 2021, she also served as minority leader of that chamber.

Ohio House of Representatives

In 2013, she ran for the Ohio House of Representatives to succeed her father, Vernon, who was term-limited.[2] She won the Democratic nomination by defeating Summit County councilman Frank Communale.[3] She later defeated Republican nominee Cynthia Blake in the general election by 72%–28% of the vote.[4]

In 2015, Sykes and fellow Democratic lawmaker Greta Johnson introduced legislation to remove the sales tax on feminine hygiene products.[5]

In 2019, Sykes was elected as the leader of the Democratic caucus, becoming the minority leader of the Ohio House.[6] During her first year being leader of the Democratic caucus, the number of bipartisan bills passed in the Ohio House was nearly double the combined total of the previous four years.[7]

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Sykes endorsed Joe Biden.[8] That same year, she won the EMILY's List 2020 Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award.[9]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2022

See also: 2022 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Ohio

Sykes and the 118th Congress are sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, 2023

In January 2022, Sykes announced her candidacy for Ohio's 13th congressional district.[10] In November 2022, she won the general election, defeating Republican nominee Madison Gesiotto Gilbert.[11]

2024

See also: 2024 U.S. House of Representatives elections in Ohio

In 2024, Sykes ran for reelection in Ohio's 13th congressional district, a race widely viewed as one of the most competitive in the country.[12] She faced Republican Kevin Coughlin, who received strong support from national Republican groups, including a campaign visit from House Speaker Mike Johnson.[13] The race saw significant outside spending. OpenSecrets reported over $6 million in ad spending opposing Sykes, with $3.84 million funded by the Congressional Leadership Fund.[14] Sykes was reelected with 51.1% of the vote to Coughlin's 48.9%.[15]

Political attacks / Attack ads

Sykes has been the subject of multiple negative advertising campaigns, particularly in competitive election cycles.

During her 2022 campaign for Ohio's 13th congressional district, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican-aligned super PAC, funded television ads portraying Sykes as "not safe on crime" and suggesting she supported policies that weakened domestic violence protections.Pelzer, Jeremy (October 12, 2022). "Attack ads fly as Ohio 13th Congressional District race tightens". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved October 1, 2025. Local press reported that the ads mischaracterized her legislative record, which included co-sponsoring bills to strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors.Kross, Anna Staver (October 14, 2022). "Fact check: Ad in 13th District race falsely claims Emilia Sykes voted against domestic violence bill". Ohio Capital Journal. Retrieved October 1, 2025.

In May 2025, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) launched a paid ad campaign accusing Sykes of voting for "the largest tax increase in generations" and of supporting "taxpayer-funded freebies to illegal immigrants."Richardson, Seth A. (May 23, 2025). "NRCC launches ad attacking Emilia Sykes over taxes and immigration". Cleveland.com. Retrieved October 1, 2025. The Cleveland Plain Dealer described the claims as part of a broader national messaging strategy targeting Democrats in swing districts."Republican ad blitz targets House Democrats on taxes, immigration". The Washington Post. May 24, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025.

In September 2025, the NRCC released another ad alleging that Sykes was "threatening a government shutdown," which it claimed would risk veterans’ health care, delay military paychecks, and cut support for law enforcement."New NRCC ad targets Emilia Sykes over shutdown debate". Ohio Capital Journal. September 17, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025. Analysts noted that similar ads were aired in other competitive districts, suggesting a coordinated national effort."Republicans target Democrats with shutdown ads in swing districts". The New York Times. September 18, 2025. Retrieved October 1, 2025.

Scholars of political communication note that negative ads in House races often seek to prime voters on issues such as taxation, immigration, and public safety, especially in closely divided districts like Ohio's 13th.Fowler, Erika Franklin (2023). "Political Advertising in the United States". Annual Review of Political Science. 26: 125–144. doi:10.1146/annurev-polisci-050222-041416. While such ads can reduce favorability ratings, they also increase name recognition for incumbents.Iyengar, Shanto (1995). Going Negative: How Political Advertisements Shrink and Polarize the Electorate. Free Press. ISBN 978-0029326202. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)

Tenure

Sykes cast her first vote in Congress on January 3, 2023, to support Democrat Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker of the House.[16] She was officially sworn in as a member of the 118th Congress on January 7.[17] During her first term, she was appointed to the committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and on Science, Space, and Technology.[18] Following the 2023 East Palestine train derailment in Ohio, Sykes and Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH) introduced the bipartisan RAIL Act to strengthen railroad safety regulations and prevent future accidents.[19]

In 2024, Sykes helped secure Akron's designation as one of seven regional tech hubs in the country, with its focus on sustainable plastics and rubber manufacturing. The initiative was projected to create 6,300 jobs and attract $1.8 billion in private investment over ten years.[20] Reflecting on Akron’s history as the “Rubber Capital of the World", she also cosponsored a bipartisan bill with Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL) to offer a thirty percent tax credit for purchasing retreaded tires in order to support domestic manufacturing and local jobs.[21]

Committee assignments

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Emilia_Sykes_in_front_of_the_transportation_committee_%28cropped%29.jpg)Sykes on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Sykes's committee assignments for the 119th Congress include:[1]

Caucus memberships

Sykes's caucus memberships include:[1]

Political positions

Sykes is considered a moderate Democrat.[25][26]

Immigration

In 2025, Sykes was one of 46 House Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for the Laken Riley Act.[27]

Infrastructure

Sykes announces federal funding for water infrastructure

In 2024, Sykes announced $169 million in federal funding secured for Ohio's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.[28]

Healthcare

Sykes voted against the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act in January 2023, a bill which would remove COVID-19 vaccine mandates for healthcare workers.[29][30] In February, she voted against a resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency three months earlier than the president's declared date.[31][32]

Sykes co-introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2023, a legislative package designed to address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The act includes 13 bills focused on reducing pregnancy-related deaths through measures like nutrition programs, maternal vaccination promotion, and mental health support for mothers.[33]

Law enforcement

Sykes co-introduced the bipartisan Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act in 2023, alongside Representatives Greg Landsman, Mike Carey, and Max Miller. The bill proposes allowing law enforcement agencies to use federal grants for recruitment and retention bonuses.[34]

Personal life

Sykes was born and raised in Akron, Ohio.[1][35] She is the daughter of state senator Vernon Sykes and former state representative Barbara Sykes, who successively held the same seat from 1982 to 2014. Between Vernon, Barbara, and Emilia, the Sykes family held the seat for 40 years.[36][37] Sykes grew up dancing and competing in gymnastics and made it to the AAU Junior Olympics, where she focused on the vault.[38] She graduated from Firestone High School.[39]

Sykes initially attended Tuskegee University, where she was the runner up Miss Tuskegee University. She filed a lawsuit against the university after it mistakenly honored her as the winner of the Miss Tuskegee University beauty pageant in 2006 and revoked her title after correcting it.[40] She then transferred to Kent State University in Ohio,[41] where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology.[42] She received a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and a Master of Public Health from the College of Public Health and Health Professions.[43]

Sykes worked as a law clerk for the chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Georgia.[42] Afterwards, she served as an administrative advisor in the Summit County fiscal office.[44]

Emilia Sykes is married to politician Kevin Boyce.[45] She is a Baptist.[1]

Electoral history

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Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Emilia_Sykes

Emilia Sykes - Wikipedia

Emilia Strong Sykes (born January 4, 1986) [1] is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative for Ohio's 13th congressional district since 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, she formerly represented the 34th district of the Ohio House of Representatives, which consists of portions of the Akron area. From 2019 until 2021, she also served as minority leader of that chamber.

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Emilia Sykes for Congress

https://www.emiliasykesforcongress.com

Emilia Sykes for Congress

Born in Akron, Ohio, Emilia Sykes grew up on the city's west side and enjoyed a childhood that was full of competitive gymnastics and ballet, along with the constant support and encouragement of her family and community who she credits for helping to raise her.

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GovTrack.us

https://www.govtrack.us › congress › members › emilia_sykes › 456930

Rep. Emilia Sykes [D-OH13, 2023-2026], Representative for Ohio's 13th ...

Sykes is the representative for Ohio 's 13 th congressional district (view map) and is a Democrat. She has served since Jan. 3, 2023. Sykes is next up for reelection in 2026 and serves until Jan. 3, 2027. She is 39 years old.

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Ballotpedia

https://ballotpedia.org › Emilia_Sykes

Emilia Sykes - Ballotpedia

Nov 5, 2024Biography Emilia Sykes was born in Akron, Ohio. Sykes earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Kent State University and a juris doctor and master's degree in public health from the University of Florida. [1] Her career experience includes working as an administrative staff advisor with the Summit County Fiscal Office and a law clerk to the chief justice of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for ...

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Congress.gov

https://www.congress.gov › member › emilia-sykes › S001223

Emilia Strong Sykes | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Emilia Strong Sykes, the Representative from Ohio - in Congress from 2023 through Present

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Congresswoman Emilia Sykes

https://sykes.house.gov › contact › email-me

Email Me | Contact | U.S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes

Address Lookup There are several ways to contact our offices. You can enter your information below to send us an email, or contact one of our offices. If you specifically would like to request help with a federal agency or information on tours and tickets, please visit those pages.

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citizenportal.ai

https://citizenportal.ai › articles › 2411435 › Ohio

Community celebrates Amelia Sykes' congressional achievement as a ...

During the recent Board of Education meeting held on February 24, 2025, members celebrated the achievements of local community figures, particularly highlighting the accomplishments of Amelia Sykes, a Firestone High School alum and current member of the United States Congress. This recognition served to inspire students and community members, emphasizing the potential for local youth to ...

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signalakron.org

https://signalakron.org › u-s-house-of-representatives-ohio-district-13-candidates-emilia-sykes-kevin-coughlin

Ohio House District 13: Kevin Coughlin vs. Emilia Sykes

Oct 8, 2024Kevin Coughlin and incumbent Emilia Sykes are the candidates for the Ohio House District 13 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

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Ballotpedia News

https://news.ballotpedia.org › 2024 › 08 › 22 › incumbent-emilia-sykes-d-and-kevin-coughlin-r-are-running-in-the-general-election-for-ohios-13th-congressional-district

Incumbent Emilia Sykes (D) and Kevin Coughlin (R) are running in the ...

Aug 22, 2024Incumbent Emilia Sykes (D) and Kevin Coughlin (R) are running in the general election for Ohio's 13th Congressional District on November 5, 2024. The district is one of the most competitive in the country, and both candidates face criticisms over their positions and records.