SPOTLIGHT: Representative Emilia Strong Sykes

In the past, this region was immensely gerrymandered. As a result, our communities were disconnected, and our resources were unnecessarily divided. But for the first time in 50 years, this district is compact and keeps the entirety of Summit County whole. The district also covers parts of Stark and Portage Counties, two of Ohio’s ten largest cities, Akron and Canton, and numerous suburban communities and rural areas in between.

My name is Emilia Strong Sykes, and I proudly serve Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, otherwise known as the “Birthplace of Champions.”

I grew up on the west side of Akron, and I always knew that Northeast Ohio was a special and unique place — a place where people work hard, care for one another, and look out for each other. Both of my parents served this community, so I learned from a young age the importance of service. Even though public service has always been in my heart, I never intended to run for office. But when an opportunity to serve my neighbors arose in the state legislature, I took it because I knew I could make a difference and give back to the people and community that raised me.

Serving our community in the Ohio Statehouse was an enormous responsibility. For eight years, I carried the voices of my hometown to the state legislature. During this time, I served for four years in Democratic leadership, including three years as the Ohio House Minority Leader. Despite being in the superminority, in my first year as Minority Leader, the percentage of bipartisan bills passed in the Ohio House was nearly double each of the previous four years combined. By putting people, not politics, first, I was able to deliver bipartisan results, including passing legislation to reduce taxes for the middle class, fund reliable high-speed internet, and increase wages and improve safety conditions for workers.

Serving in the state legislature, I was also able to learn the intricate connections between state and federal politics, and how both were important in the lives of everyday Ohioans. But it was the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, that ignited my desire to run for Congress. I watched the events and violence unfold on T.V. and social media, and like many Americans, I became incredibly concerned with the state of our democracy. I knew that I could not leave our precious and fragile democratic process to chance. Additionally, I knew that for too long, this community did not have a member of Congress that showed up for them and prioritized their needs, leaving many people feeling disconnected and left behind. They deserved better; they deserved someone who would show up and fight for them. By running for Congress, I felt I could serve my neighbors by uplifting their voices and concerns, and by reconnecting our communities with the federal government.

In 2022, after months of speaking to people on the campaign trail, I was honored and humbled to be elected to serve Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. I know all too well the importance of having a Congresswoman that you can identify with, one that understands the issues and challenges you face every day.