Vernon Sykes facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vernon Sykes
Sykes in 2024
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 28th district
In office January 3, 2017 – December 31, 2024
Preceded by	Thomas C. Sawyer
Succeeded by	Casey Weinstein
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 44th district
In office January 2, 2007 – December 31, 2014
Preceded by	Barbara Sykes
Succeeded by	Emilia Sykes
In office March 16, 1983 – December 31, 2000
Preceded by	Pete Crossland
Succeeded by	Barbara Sykes
Personal details
Born	(1951-10-02) October 2, 1951 (age 73) Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	Emilia Sykes
Residences	Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Alma mater	Ohio University (BA) Wright State University (MS) Harvard University (MPA) University of Akron (PhD)
Profession	Educator

Vernon Sykes, born on October 2, 1951, is an American politician. He served as a state Senator for the 28th district of the Ohio Senate. This role was from 2017 to 2024. The 28th district covers several cities in Summit County. These include Akron, Barberton, Green, Portage Lakes, and Lakemore. It also includes parts of Cuyahoga Falls, Mogadore, and Tallmadge.

Mr. Sykes is a member of the Democratic Party. Before becoming a state senator, he was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He served there from 1982 to 2000 and again from 2007 to 2014. Earlier in his career, he was an Akron City Councilman.

Political Career Highlights

Early Public Service

Vernon Sykes started his political journey in Akron. He served two terms on the Akron City Council. Then, in 1983, he joined the Ohio House of Representatives. He also taught at Kent State University as an assistant professor. Later, he was an assistant professor at the University of Akron.

Mr. Sykes first served in the House of Representatives in 1983. He continued in this role until 2000. At that time, he reached the limit for how many terms he could serve. His wife, Barbara Sykes, took his place in 2001.

Returning to the House

In 2006, Barbara Sykes decided to run for a different state office. Vernon Sykes then sought to return to his old seat. He won the Democratic primary election with a large majority of votes. He also won the general election against his opponent.

In his next election, Mr. Sykes ran without any opponents. During the 128th General Assembly, he was appointed as Chairman. He led the House Finance Committee.

For the 2010 election, Sykes won a third term. He received a strong majority of the votes. With his party in the minority, he served on several important committees. These included Finance and Appropriations, Local Government, and State Government and Elections.

Sykes won reelection again in 2012. He defeated his opponent with over 80% of the votes. He reached his term limit again in 2014. His daughter, Emilia Sykes, then took his place in the House.

Serving in the Ohio Senate

In 2016, State Senator Thomas C. Sawyer reached his term limit. He had represented Akron for many years. Vernon Sykes decided to run for this open Senate seat. He ran unopposed in the primary election. In the general election, he faced Republican Jonathan Schulz.

Sykes won the election for the Senate seat. He received 61% of the votes. He was sworn into office on January 3, 2017. He served as a state senator until December 31, 2024.

Key Initiatives and Views

As a leading member of the House Finance Committee, Sykes often spoke about state spending. He questioned Governor John Kasich's plan to change the Ohio Department of Development. This plan aimed to replace it with a new group called JobsOhio. Sykes believed this change gave too much power to the executive branch. He wanted to make sure there was proper oversight.

Sykes also spoke out against Governor Kasich's budget plan for 2012–2013. He was especially concerned about cuts to local government funding. He also worried about plans to privatize some state prisons. He felt that he was not included enough in the budget discussions. Sykes was part of the committee that worked on the state budget.