Biography

Emilia Strong Sykes, born on January 4, 1986, in Akron, Ohio, is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th congressional district since January 3, 2023. She succeeded Tim Ryan in this role. Prior to her tenure in Congress, Sykes represented the 34th district in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022, where she also served as Minority Leader from 2019 to 2021.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, magna cum laude, Kent State University
  • Juris Doctor, University of Florida Levin College of Law
  • Master of Public Health, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014, succeeding her father, Vernon Sykes
  • Served as Minority Leader of the Ohio House from 2019 to 2021
  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022; re-elected in 2024
  • Member of the Congressional Black Caucus
  • Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus
  • Vice-Chair of the Affordable Housing Taskforce within the New Democrat Coalition
  • Member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, focusing on pharmaceutical affordability and access

Throughout her career, Sykes has been recognized for her bipartisan approach and dedication to public service, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and law enforcement.