Emilia Strong Sykes is a Democratic U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, serving since 2023. Born on January 4, 1986, and raised in Akron, Ohio, she is a Black woman who has focused her career on community strengthening, job creation, women's healthcare access, and railroad safety. Notable achievements include serving as Ohio House Minority Leader from 2019 to 2021, winning the EMILY's List 2020 Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award, and co-introducing the bipartisan RAIL Act after the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. She is a lifelong NAACP member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority member, and church member.

Education

Sykes graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Kent State University. She earned a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Family Law and a Master of Public Health from the University of Florida.

Political Experience

• U.S. Representative, Ohio's 13th District ; serves on House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Science, Space, and Technology.
• Ohio House Representative, 34th District ; Minority Leader , Minority Whip , Assistant Minority Whip .
• Prior roles: Law Clerk to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Chief Judge , staff at Summit County Fiscal Office and Community Legal Services, volunteer at Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Clinic.