Mr. Speaker, the House Oversight Committee's Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses held a hearing last week focused on allegations of home- and community- based services in my State of Ohio. I have some thoughts. First, fraud is wrong. People misusing the system undermines the very purpose of safety net programs. If taxpayer dollars are misused, there must be accountability. Vulnerabilities must be fixed, and oversight should be strengthened. I support that effort.
2026 MidtermsLikely SeatD+2R shift +3$1.8M raised
Emilia Sykes
Representative · Ohio · Democrat
Emilia Sykes
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Darryn Peterson as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week. This Tuesday, Darryn made his family and our entire district proud when he was selected by the Utah Jazz as the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of discipline, dedication, and excellence on and off the court. Born in Canton, Darryn began his high school career at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Cuyahoga Falls. He eventually rose to become the number one ranked player in the entire country.
Mr. Speaker, this National Gun Violence Awareness Month, I rise today thinking about families in Ohio's 13th Congressional District, families whose lives were changed forever by gun violence. One of those families is still grieving the loss of LaTeris Cook, a 27-year-old father of four who was killed during a mass shooting at a neighborhood block party in Akron just 2 years ago. What should have been a joyful summer gathering turned into chaos and tragedy. Twenty- eight people were shot. An entire community was and remains traumatized.
Biography
Emilia Sykes began her career as a civil rights attorney advocating for vulnerable communities in Ohio. Elected to represent Ohio’s 13th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022, she focuses on expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting voting rights, and strengthening economic opportunities in Northeast Ohio. Sykes helped introduce legislation to lower prescription drug costs and serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. She approaches her work with a collaborative spirit, aiming to bridge divides and address the needs of her district through pragmatic, responsive leadership.
Education
- J.D., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL2011
- M.P.H., University of Florida, Gainesville, FL2011
- B.A. in Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH2007
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2023–PresentRepresented Ohio's 13th congressional district for 2 terms.
Member, Ohio House of Representatives
2015–23(Minority Leader, 2019–21)
Administrative Staff Advisor, Summit County Fiscal Office
Law Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia
Policy Focus
Taxation19%
Crime and Law Enforcement15%
Health14%
Armed Forces and National Security10%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Emilia Sykes's record in Congress.
Maternal Health Legislation
Sponsored the Ohio Maternal Mortality Review Committee Act to investigate and reduce maternal deaths.
Lead Abatement Funding
Secured funding to address lead contamination in Akron and improve public health outcomes.
Domestic Violence Protections
Championed legislation expanding protections and resources for survivors of domestic violence in Ohio.
COVID-19 Relief Advocacy
Advocated for increased COVID-19 relief resources for underserved communities in Northeast Ohio.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Rep. Emilia Sykes FAQ
Reach Ohio Lawmakers
Representative Sykes focuses on Taxation, Crime and Law Enforcement and Health. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Ohio's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign