Emilia Sykes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emilia Sykes
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Official portrait, 2023
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio's 13th district |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Tim Ryan |
| Minority Leader of the Ohio House of Representatives | |
| In office February 6, 2019 – December 31, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Fred Strahorn |
| Succeeded by | Kristin Boggs (acting) |
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 34th district |
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| In office January 6, 2015 – December 31, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Vernon Sykes |
| Succeeded by | Casey Weinstein (redistricted) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Emilia Strong Sykes
January 4, 1986 Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Kevin Boyce |
| Relatives |
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| Education | |
| Website | |
Emilia Strong Sykes (born January 4, 1986) is an American politician. She is currently a U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th district, a job she started in 2023. She is a member of the Democratic Party.
Before this, she was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing parts of Akron. From 2019 to 2021, she also led the Democratic Party members in the Ohio House.
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Early Life and Education
Emilia Sykes grew up in Akron, Ohio. Her parents, Vernon Sykes and Barbara Sykes, were also politicians. They held the same political seat for 40 years.
As a child, Emilia enjoyed dancing and competing in gymnastics. She even went to the AAU Junior Olympics, where she focused on the vault. She graduated from Firestone High School.
Sykes first went to Tuskegee University. Later, she transferred to Kent State University in Ohio, where she earned a degree in psychology. She then studied law at the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She also earned a master's degree in public health from the University of Florida.
After her studies, Sykes worked as a law clerk for a judge. She also served as an adviser in the Summit County fiscal office.
Serving in the Ohio House
In 2013, Emilia Sykes decided to run for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives. She wanted to take over from her father, Vernon, who could no longer hold the position. She won the election and started her term in 2015.
In 2015, Sykes and another lawmaker, Greta Johnson, worked together on a bill. This bill aimed to remove sales tax from feminine hygiene products.
In 2019, Sykes was chosen to be the leader of the Democratic group in the Ohio House. This made her the minority leader. During her time as leader, many bills were passed with support from both parties.
In 2020, she received the Gabby Giffords Rising Star Award from EMILY's List.
Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives
Becoming a U.S. Representative
In January 2022, Sykes announced she would run for the 13th congressional district in Ohio. In November 2022, she won the election. She defeated Republican candidate Madison Gesiotto Gilbert.
Sykes cast her first vote in Congress on January 3, 2023. She supported Hakeem Jeffries to become the Speaker of the House. She was officially sworn in as a member of the 118th Congress on January 7, 2023.
In 2024, Sykes ran for reelection in Ohio's 13th district. This race was very competitive. She won reelection with 51.1% of the votes.
What Emilia Sykes Does in Congress
During her first term, Sykes joined two important committees. These were the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
After a train accident in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023, Sykes worked with another representative, Bill Johnson. They introduced a bill called the RAIL Act. This bill aimed to make railroad safety rules stronger.
In 2024, Sykes helped Akron become one of seven special "tech hubs" in the country. This hub focuses on making sustainable plastics and rubber. This project is expected to create many new jobs and bring in a lot of money for the area. She also supported a bill to give tax credits for buying retreaded tires. This helps support local manufacturing jobs.
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Sykes is part of several groups in Congress, including:
- Black Maternal Health Caucus
- Problem Solvers Caucus
- New Democrat Coalition
- Bipartisan Women's Caucus (co-chair)
- Congressional Black Caucus
Political Views
Emilia Sykes is seen as a moderate Democrat. This means her views are often in the middle of the political spectrum.
Infrastructure
In 2024, Sykes announced that Ohio would receive $169 million in federal money. This money is for improving the state's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
Healthcare
In 2023, Sykes voted against a bill that would remove COVID-19 vaccine rules for healthcare workers. She also voted against ending the COVID-19 national emergency early.
Sykes helped introduce the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act in 2023. This set of bills aims to help reduce health differences for mothers. It includes plans for better nutrition, vaccinations, and mental health support for mothers.
Law Enforcement
In 2023, Sykes worked with other representatives to introduce a bill. This bill would allow police departments to use federal money for hiring and keeping officers.
Personal Life
Emilia Sykes is married to politician Kevin Boyce. She is a Baptist.
Images for kids
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Official portrait, 2023
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Sykes and the 118th Congress are sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives, 2023
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Sykes on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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Sykes announces federal funding for water infrastructure
