Emilia Strong Sykes is a lifelong Ohioan, attorney, and Democratic leader serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District since 2023. Born and raised on the west side of Akron, she grew up with a deep sense of community and commitment to public service. Sykes attended Kent State University, graduating with high honors, and later earned both a Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health from the University of Florida. Before her election to Congress, she served eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives, including as House Minority Leader, where she worked across the aisle to expand opportunity and public safety for Ohio families.
In her first terms in Congress, Sykes has focused on delivering results for Northeast Ohio — securing hundreds of millions in federal infrastructure funds and returning resources directly to constituents — while championing economic opportunity, affordable healthcare, organized labor, and protections for Social Security and Medicare. She sits on both the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Science, Space & Technology Committee, bringing pragmatic leadership and bipartisan cooperation to Washington.
Emilia is also known for her advocacy on reproductive freedom, environmental protection, and voting rights, and she continues to fight to make everyday life more affordable and secure for families across OH-13. Her seat is one of the country’s most competitive — a true battleground that could determine control of the U.S. House.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
- Lowering Costs & Economic Opportunity — Sykes fights to ease the burden of housing, healthcare, and prescription-drug costs, while promoting good-paying job growth and economic investment in Northeast Ohio.
- Infrastructure & Jobs — Through her committee work, she has secured significant federal funds for roads, bridges, water systems, and other essential local infrastructure projects.
- Defending Healthcare & Social Safety Nets — She protects Social Security and Medicare, expands access to quality, affordable healthcare, and supports maternal and public health initiatives.
- Protecting Rights & Democracy — Sykes advocates for voting rights, reproductive freedom, and safeguarding democratic norms against partisan attacks.
- Public Safety & Bipartisan Cooperation — She works on commonsense approaches to public safety, law enforcement support, and cross-party collaboration to get things done for her constituents.
Accomplishments & Track Record
- Incumbent U.S. Representative: Serving since 2023, re-elected in 2024 in a district that was among the nation’s closest and most contested.
- Federal Investment Wins: Secured hundreds of millions in federal funding for local infrastructure and constituent returns.
- Bipartisan Legislative Work: Known for bridging divides to pass infrastructure and community-support legislation.
- Strong Advocate for Families: Champion of affordable healthcare, workers’ rights, and protections for Social Security and Medicare.
- Community Recognition: Celebrated for her service to Ohio and her ongoing commitment to economic security and democratic participation.
I just want this government to work for the people of OH-13. That’s how I serve our community in Congress and it’s why I’m running for re-election.