Akron Reporter

Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, who represents Ohio’s 13th district in the U.S. Congress, recently shared updates on her activities and advocacy through a series of posts on her social media account.

On August 7, 2025, Rep. Sykes addressed concerns regarding healthcare for veterans and criticized proposed staffing cuts at VA clinics: "Nothing about providing healthcare for the veterans who bravely served our nation and protected our freedoms is 'wasteful.' Rep. Sykes stood with veterans and supporters outside the Akron VA Clinic earlier this year to protest the Trump Administration's plan to lay off 83,000".

The following day, August 8, she reflected on her attendance at a major local sports event: "Rep. Sykes had a great time at the Hall of Fame game in Canton last week as part of Enshrinement Week at the Pro Football Hall of Fame! This year, Antonio Gates is one of four inductees. Did you know this Kent State alum did not play a single down of football during his college".

Later that same day, she highlighted an educational initiative focused on girls' involvement in science and aviation: "Last week in partnership with the MAPS Air Museum, Rep. Sykes hosted a Girls in S.T.E.A.M. event titled “Pilot Her Future.” Girls from Ohio’s 13th Congressional District had the opportunity to learn about career opportunities in aviation and other S.T.E.A.M. fields."

Sykes has represented Ohio’s 13th district since replacing Tim Ryan in Congress in 2023. Before serving in Congress, she was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. Born and residing in Akron, Ohio, Sykes holds degrees from Kent State University—where NFL inductee Antonio Gates also studied—and earned her law degree from the University of Florida.