Meet Emilia Sykes
Born in Akron, Ohio, Emilia Sykes grew up on the city's west side and enjoyed a childhood that was full of competitive gymnastics and ballet, along with the constant support and encouragement of her family and community who she credits for helping to raise her. As a child, Emilia saw first-hand that Northeast Ohio families work hard every day and care deeply about what they do, but too often aren't given the opportunity or level playing field that many others enjoy. That's why in her first term in Congress, she's worked with Republicans and Democrats to deliver real results for Ohio's families, businesses, and seniors.
From her first day in Congress, Emilia has pledged to connect her community to Congress. She knows politics and Congress can be divisive, but she's cut through the noise in D.C. to bring back critical federal resources and support to Ohio's 13th Congressional District. Since taking office, she secured over $300 million in federal dollars to the district and returned over $15 million directly to constituents.
Her work has been applauded by many in the community including the editorial board of the Akron Beacon Journal who said of her first year in office, "An effective lawmaker finds ways to assist those they were elected to serve and to advocate for their community, even when gridlock makes it nearly impossible to get laws passed. Sykes has taken this approach with her to Washington … representing Ohio's 13th Congressional District."
Rep. Sykes has focused her time as a Member of Congress as a champion for the people of Ohio's 13th District by lowering costs, promoting good-paying jobs and growing our local economy, supporting organized labor, keeping our communities safe, protecting a women's right to reproductive choice, a clean environment, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and ensuring access to quality affordable healthcare and education.
Whether it's the Lower Your Taxes Act, the RAIL Act, or the Mental Health Improvement Act, Congresswoman Sykes has put forth a bipartisan legislative agenda and an unmatched commitment to this community in order to ensure everyone in Ohio's 13th District can live their version of the American Dream in Northeast Ohio.
Congresswoman Sykes attended Kent State University, graduating with high honors with a B.A. in Psychology. She later attended the University of Florida, where she earned a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Family Law and a Masters of Public Health. She is married to Kevin Boyce and values spending time with family, enjoying the arts, and appreciating the countless blessings life has offered her.
Members of the House are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing the interests of their constituents, and providing oversight of the executive branch. Key powers include drafting bills, serving on committees, approving the federal budget, and voting on matters of national policy, including declarations of war and presidential impeachments.