Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, who represents Ohio’s 13th district in the U.S. Congress, has recently addressed a range of legislative issues on her social media account, including tax deductions, rail safety, and public broadcasting.

On July 16, 2025, Sykes commented on a tax proposal by Republicans: "Rep. Sykes is all for tax deductions that keep more of your hard earned money in your pocket. But the fact is, this car interest deduction that Republicans are touting will do almost nothing to keep costs low for a majority of Americans."

Addressing rail safety the following day, July 17, she wrote: "Rail safety has always been a priority for Rep. Sykes, but it doesn’t seem to be for the administration or House Republicans -- even after the tragic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine. This disaster prompted communities and families across the country to ask"

On July 18, Sykes discussed her vote regarding public broadcasting: "Early this morning, Rep. Sykes voted to protect public broadcasting and local news. Congress should make government services more efficient, but cutting off rural communities’ and working families’ access to critical information like severe weather alerts – or even traffic"

Sykes began serving as U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 13th district in 2023 after replacing Tim Ryan. She previously served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born in Akron in 1986 and currently residing there at age 37, Sykes holds a BA from Kent State University and a JD from the University of Florida.