Emilia Strong Sykes is a current Representative for Ohio's 13th congressional district, having been elected as a member of the Democratic Party in January 2023. Born on January 4, 1986, in Akron, Ohio, Sykes has a robust educational background, holding a Bachelor of Arts from Kent State University, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Florida.

Before serving in Congress, Sykes was involved in Ohio state politics, where she was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, and served as the minority leader from 2019 to 2021. Her prior roles included working as an administrative staff advisor in the Summit County fiscal office and as a law clerk for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

Sykes' current legislative focus is evident in her role on various committees, including the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she serves on the Aviation Subcommittee and the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee. Her committee work emphasizes her commitment to innovation, public safety, and infrastructure development.

In her legislative efforts, Sykes has sponsored and co-sponsored a range of bills that reflect her policy interests. Notably, she introduced the RAIL Act (Reducing Accidents In Locomotives Act), which seeks to enhance safety regulations for trains transporting hazardous materials. This legislation comes in response to recent incidents highlighting the need for stringent safety measures and has initiated discussions about the freight industry's operational standards.

Additionally, she is the sponsor of the Feed Our Families Act, which aims to address food insecurity and support nutritional needs for families in her district. The Act is part of her efforts to ensure that the health and well-being of her constituents are prioritized, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sykes is also involved in addressing housing issues through her support for the Public Housing Emergency Response Act, which authorizes additional funding to improve public housing conditions based on recent assessments. This reflects her dedication to advocating for affordable housing and improving living conditions for vulnerable populations.

In the realm of social issues, Sykes has co-sponsored and supported various bills, including those aimed at expanding voting rights and protecting domestic violence survivors. Her support for the Stop Electronic Stalking Act shows her commitment to modernizing legal frameworks to protect individuals from gender-based violence and stalking in the digital age.

Politically, Emilia Sykes identifies with progressive values, particularly in her legislative priorities around healthcare access, food security, civil rights, and environmental safety. Her bills often address systemic inequities and aim to foster social justice and support marginalized communities. As such, she positions herself as a representative advocating for comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing quality of life for her constituents.

Outside of her public service, details about Sykes' personal life, including family and other endeavors, remain focused primarily on her political career, reflecting her commitment to public service and community engagement.