Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, who represents Ohio’s 13th district in the U.S. Congress and has held the seat since 2023, recently posted several updates on her official social media account regarding youth engagement, legislative criticism, and an upcoming town hall.
On October 20, 2025, Sykes encouraged student participation in a national competition: “Calling all middle and high school students! Rep. Sykes wants YOU to show off your creativity and computer science skills by submitting an app in this year’s Congressional App Challenge! The #OH13 winner will be invited to Washington, D.C. to be recognized with other winners”.
Later that day, she criticized recent Republican legislation: “In the Big Ugly Bill, Republicans gave away over $5 trillion in tax cuts to the top 1%, and are forcing American families to foot the bill by raising health insurance costs for those with Affordable Care Act plans.”
On October 21, 2025, Sykes announced a public event: “Join Rep. Sykes and members of the Ohio Congressional delegation for a telephone townhall TOMORROW at 6 p.m. Rep. Sykes will discuss the ongoing Republican shutdown and will answer your questions on how it impacts #OH13. RSVP at https://t.co/DsXvKcmG8c.”
Sykes succeeded Tim Ryan as representative of Ohio’s 13th district in 2023 after serving in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born in Akron in 1986, she continues to reside there today. Her academic background includes a BA from Kent State University and a JD from the University of Florida.
