Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Ohio’s 13th district, shared several updates on her official social media account on June 20, 2025. Sykes has been a member of Congress since 2023 after replacing Tim Ryan and previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022.

On June 20, Rep. Sykes highlighted a significant infrastructure investment aimed at enhancing community connectivity in Canton. She expressed pride in securing funding for the East Tuscarawas Streetscape Project, stating "Connecting our communities means growth and opportunity. Rep. Sykes is proud to have delivered funding to improve the connectivity throughout the City of Canton through the East Tuscarawas Streetscape Project." The project involves a $2.19 million investment designed to stimulate economic growth.

Later that day, Rep. Sykes addressed concerns regarding potential Medicaid cuts and their impact on hospital systems within her district. She noted that nearly 30,000 people are employed by these systems and warned that cuts could lead to layoffs due to patients' inability to pay for care: "Nearly 30,000 people in #OH13 are employed by hospital systems."

Additionally, Rep. Sykes celebrated Pride Month by participating in an event supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Canton: "Happy #PrideMonth! Rep. Sykes had a great time celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Canton for the annual starkPRIDE Festival."

Sykes was born in Akron, Ohio, where she currently resides at age 37. She holds a BA from Kent State University and a JD from the University of Florida.