Emilia Strong Sykes(born January 4, 1986)[1]is an American politician serving as theU.S. representativeforOhio's 13th congressional districtsince 2023. A member of theDemocratic Party,she formerly represented the 34th district of theOhio House of Representatives,which consists of portions of theAkron area.From 2019 until 2021, she also served asminority leaderof that chamber.
Emilia Sykes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromOhio's13thdistrict | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Tim Ryan |
| Minority Leader of theOhio House of Representatives | |
| In office February 6, 2019 – December 31, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Fred Strahorn |
| Succeeded by | Kristin Boggs(Acting) |
| Member of theOhio House of Representatives from the 34th district | |
| In office January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Vernon Sykes |
| Succeeded by | Casey Weinstein(redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emilia Strong Sykes January 4, 1986 Akron, Ohio,U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kevin Boyce |
| Relatives |
|
| Education | |
| Website | House website |
Early life and education
editSykes was born and raised inAkron, Ohio.[1]She is the daughter of state senatorVernon Sykesand former state representativeBarbara 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.[2][3]Emilia grew up dancing and competing ingymnasticsand made it to theAAU Junior Olympics,where she focused on thevault.[4]She graduated fromFirestone High School.[5]
Sykes initially attendedTuskegee University,where she was the runner up Miss Tuskegee University.[6]She then transferred toKent State Universityin Ohio,[7]where she graduatedmagna cum laudewith aBachelor of Artsin psychology.[8]She received aJuris Doctorfrom theUniversity of Florida Levin College of Lawand aMaster of Public Healthfrom theCollege of Public Health and Health Professions.[9]
Sykes worked as a law clerk for the chief judge of theU.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Georgia.[8]Afterwards, she served as an administrative adviser in theSummit Countyfiscal office.[10]
Ohio House of Representatives
editIn 2013, she ran for theOhio House of Representativesto succeed her father, Vernon, who was term-limited.[11]She won the Democratic nomination by defeatingSummit Countycouncilman Frank Communale.[12]She later defeated Republican nominee Cynthia Blake in the general election by 72%–28% of the vote.[13]
In 2015, Sykes and fellow Democratic lawmakerGreta Johnsonintroduced legislation to remove the sales tax on feminine hygiene products.[14]
In 2019, Sykes was elected as the leader of the Democratic caucus, becoming the minority leader of the Ohio House.[15]During her first year being leader of the Democratic caucus, the number of bipartisan bills passed in the Ohio House was double the combined total of the previous four years.[1]
During the2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries,Sykes endorsed Joe Biden.[16]That same year, she won theEMILY's List2020Gabby GiffordsRising Star Award.[17]
U.S. House of Representatives
editElections
edit2022
edit
In January 2022, Sykes announced her candidacy forOhio's 13th congressional district.[18]InNovember 2022,she won the general election, defeating Republican nomineeMadison Gesiotto Gilbertin anupset.[19]
2024
editSykes won reelection in 2024 against former Republican state representativeKevin Coughlinin a close election.[20][21]
Tenure
editSykes cast her first vote on January 3, 2023 for Democrat Rep.Hakeem Jeffriesto serve asSpeaker of the House.[22]She was sworn into theUnited States House of Representativewith the118th Congresson January 7, 2023.[23]
Committee assignments
edit
- Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure[24][25]
- Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee(vice ranking member)
- Highways and Transit Subcommittee
- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology[24][26]
- Research and Technology Subcommittee
Caucus memberships
editPartial list of caucus memberships:[24]
- Congressional Black Caucus
- Bipartisan Women's Caucus,vice-chair
- New Democrat Coalition,[27]vice-chair of the Affordable Housing Taskforce
- Problem Solvers Caucus,Working Group on Pharmaceutical Affordability and Access
Political positions
editSykes is considered a moderate Democrat.[28][29]
Infrastructure
edit
In 2023, Sykes and Rep.Bill Johnson(R-OH) cosponsored thebipartisanRAIL Act, which aims to improve railroad safety.[30]
In 2024, Sykes announced $169 million in federal funding secured for Ohio's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.[31]
Healthcare
editSykes voted against the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act in January 2023, a bill which would removeCOVID-19 vaccine mandatesfor healthcare workers.[32][33]In February, she voted against a resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency three months earlier than the president's declared date.[34][35]
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.[36]
Law enforcement
editSykes co-introduced the bipartisan Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act in 2023, alongside Reps.Greg Landsman,Mike Carey,andMax Miller.The bill proposes allowing law enforcement agencies to use federal grants for recruitment and retention bonuses.[37]
Manufacturing
edit
In 2024, Sykes helped secure Akron's designation as one of seven regional tech hubs in the country, focused on sustainable plastics andrubbers.The tech hub is projected to create 6,351 jobs and generate $1.8 billion in direct private investment over the next 10 years.[38]
Sykes and Rep.Darin LaHood(R-IL) cosponsored the bipartisan Retreaded Truck Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act in 2024, which provides a 30% tax credit for purchasing retreaded tires, promoting American-made products, and supporting jobs in retreading facilities. Sykes said that the initiative, aligned with her district’s identity as the "Rubber Capital of the World".[39]
Syria
editIn 2023, Sykes voted againstHouse Resolution21 which directed PresidentJoe Bidento remove U.S. troops fromSyriawithin 180 days.[40][41]
Personal life
editEmilia Sykes is married to politicianKevin Boyce.[42]She is aBaptist.[1]
Electoral history
edit| Year | Democrat | Votes | Pct | Republican | Votes | Pct | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Emilia Sykes | 17,299 | 71.9% | Cynthia Blake | 6,082 | 28.1% | ||
| 2016 | Emilia Sykes | 35,154 | 77.1% | Gene Littlefield | 10,420 | 22.9% | ||
| 2018 | Emilia Sykes | 30,164 | 78.4% | Josh Sines | 8,329 | 21.6% | ||
| 2020 | Emilia Sykes | 36,251 | 76.8% | Henry Todd | 10,926 | 23.2% |
| Year | Votes | Pct | Votes | Pct | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Emilia Sykes | 149,816 | 52.7% | Madison Gesiotto Gilbert | 134,593 | 47.3% |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcd"Rep. Emilia Sykes - D Ohio, 13th, In Office - Biography | LegiStorm".www.legistorm.com.RetrievedNovember 27,2024.
- ^"Sykes tells local Democrats about 'Ohio Promise' - Morrow County Sentinel".www.morrowcountysentinel.com.July 26, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2019.RetrievedDecember 20,2019.
- ^"For the Ohio House: Emilia Sykes and Greta Johnson".Akron Beacon Journal.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2019.RetrievedDecember 20,2019.
- ^Saksa, Jim (August 1, 2024)."How Emilia Sykes went from Junior Olympian to running for reelection".Roll Call.RetrievedNovember 28,2024.
- ^"Bioguide Search".bioguide.congress.gov.RetrievedNovember 28,2024.
- ^Lederman, Doug."Quick Takes: Win for Evolution, Ex-President of Tex. Southern Indicted, Cal State Must Pay for Expansion Impact, AAU Weighs In on Commission, $105M for Stanford, Shifts in CUNY Funding, Nelnet-Peterson's, Cal. May Join Google Project, 'Miss Tuskegee".Inside Higher Ed.RetrievedSeptember 2,2024.
- ^Walsh |, by Ellin."Emilia Sykes wins primary for 34th Ohio House District".Akron Beacon Journal.Archivedfrom the original on October 1, 2022.RetrievedOctober 1,2022.
- ^ab"Emilia Strong Sykes - University of Florida Alumni Association".connect.ufalumni.ufl.edu.RetrievedNovember 28,2024.
- ^"Rep. Emilia Sykes joins competitive US House race in Ohio".AP NEWS.January 18, 2022.Archivedfrom the original on January 26, 2022.RetrievedOctober 1,2022.
- ^"First New Democratic House Leader in Five Years Has Strong Ties to the Statehouse".January 28, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on March 27, 2019.RetrievedMarch 27,2019.
- ^"Emilia Sykes to seek the Ohio House seat her family long has held".Akron Beacon Journal.Akron. September 17, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on February 26, 2014.RetrievedDecember 10,2014.
- ^"Emilia Sykes in the Democratic primary for Ohio House District 34: editorial endorsement".Cleveland Plain Dealer.Cleveland. April 29, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on December 14, 2014.RetrievedDecember 10,2014.
- ^REPORTER, Ellin Walsh |."Sykes wins 34th Ohio State House District seat".MyTownNEO.Archivedfrom the original on December 20, 2019.RetrievedDecember 20,2019.
- ^"Is 'Tampon Tax' discriminatory to women?".WCPO.March 31, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on March 23, 2020.RetrievedMarch 23,2020.
- ^"Emilia Sykes named new Ohio House Democratic leader".Akron Beacon Journal.Akron, Ohio.January 21, 2019.Archivedfrom the original on March 27, 2019.RetrievedMarch 27,2019.
- ^Richardson, Seth A. (March 11, 2020)."Joe Biden announces backing from Emilia Sykes, more than half of Cleveland City Council".Cleveland.com.Archivedfrom the original on March 23, 2020.RetrievedMarch 23,2020.
- ^Mills, Emily."Emilia Sykes wins national award for dedication to women, families".Akron Beacon Journal.Archivedfrom the original on July 3, 2020.RetrievedJuly 2,2020.
- ^DeNatale, Dave "Dino" (January 18, 2022)."Former Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Sykes announces run for Congress".WKYC.Archivedfrom the original on October 1, 2022.RetrievedMarch 27,2022.
- ^"Emilia Sykes defeats Madison Gesiotto Gilbert in 13th Congressional District race".Akron Beacon Journal.
- ^Kreider, Derek; Williams, Patrick (November 5, 2024)."Emilia Sykes reelected in 13th Congressional District race as Kevin Coughlin concedes".Akron Beacon Journal.RetrievedNovember 7,2024.
- ^Leigh, Harri."Republicans aim to unseat Ohio Democrat Emilia Sykes in a swing district".Spectrum News 1.RetrievedAugust 8,2024.
- ^"Akron native Emilia Sykes casts first votes as 13th Congressional District representative".Akron Beacon Journal.RetrievedOctober 18,2023.
- ^"118th Congress Begins | house.gov".www.house.gov.RetrievedDecember 1,2024.
- ^abc"Committees and Caucuses | Congresswoman Emilia Sykes".sykes.house.gov.October 17, 2023. Archived fromthe originalon October 11, 2023.RetrievedOctober 18,2023.
- ^"Transportation and Infrastructure Committee".transportation.house.gov.RetrievedOctober 18,2023.
- ^"House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology".House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.RetrievedOctober 18,2023.
- ^"Endorsed Candidates".NewDem Action Fund.RetrievedDecember 3,2022.
- ^"Ohio 13th Congressional District 2024 race is very competitive. Will others be if Issue 1 passes?".Ideastream Public Media.November 1, 2024.RetrievedDecember 1,2024.
- ^Garrett, Amanda."Sykes vs. Gesiotto Gilbert: Who will speak for Ohio's 13th Congressional District?".Akron Beacon Journal.RetrievedDecember 1,2024.
- ^"After East Palestine derailment, Sykes, Johnson introduce RAIL Act to improve railroad safety".Akron Beacon Journal.RetrievedOctober 18,2023.
- ^Williams, Patrick."Total of $3.6B in US water infrastructure funding announced with $169M slated for Ohio".Akron Beacon Journal.RetrievedNovember 28,2024.
- ^"Seven Democrats join Republicans in vote to lift vaccine mandate for healthcare workers".Washington Examiner.January 31, 2023.
- ^"On Passage - H.R.497: To eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on".August 12, 2015.
- ^"House passes resolution to end COVID-19 national emergency".February 2023.
- ^"On Passage - H.J.RES.7: Relating to a national emergency declared by".August 12, 2015.
- ^"A number of factors cause moms to die in labor. Ohio reps hope a wide-reaching bill can help".WVXU.May 29, 2024.RetrievedNovember 28,2024.
- ^Bennett, Paige (July 5, 2023)."Sykes, other Ohio lawmakers introduce bill to help with law enforcement hiring, retention".The Repository.
- ^Curi, Maria (October 31, 2024)."Selling the CHIPS and Science Act in Ohio".Axios.RetrievedDecember 1,2024.
- ^Sabrina Eaton, cleveland com (June 20, 2024)."Ohio Congress members roll out bill to boost tire retreading".cleveland.RetrievedDecember 1,2024.
- ^"H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of… -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023".
- ^"House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria".US News & World Report.March 8, 2023.RetrievedApril 6,2023.
- ^Goshay, Charita M."Congresswoman-elect Emilia Sykes: 'I want to make it easy to live in Northeast Ohio.'".Canton Repository.RetrievedNovember 27,2024.
External links
edit
- Congresswoman Emilia Sykesofficial U.S. House website
- Emilia Sykes for Congresscampaign website