Emilia Sykes — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in Ohio, 2026

Emilia Sykes voted against the Fiscal Year 2026 DHS appropriations bill and a subsequent DHS stopgap, citing a lack of accountability for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She argued that funding enforcement without reforms undermines civil rights and human dignity, advocating for measures such as judicial warrant requirements, prohibitions on detaining American citizens, and body camera mandates. Sykes also opposed H.Res. 957, urging bipartisan solutions like the Dignity Act for comprehensive immigration reform and border security.

““This shutdown didn’t have to happen,” said Rep. Sykes. “Democrats offered clear, reasonable reforms to stop ICE’s dangerous practices and bring accountability to an agency that has repeatedly put lives at risk. Republicans refused, and now families, workers, and entire communities are paying the price. Republicans need to fix this immediately by adopting these reforms and reopening the government.” - Rep. Sykes, in a statement on the partial government shutdown, January 31, 2026.”

Emilia Sykes advocates for accessible, affordable healthcare, stating it is a human right. She voted for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, which included investments in public health and medical research. Sykes also voted against the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," arguing it would not lower costs and would increase the number of uninsured. She supports extending the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits and works to lower prescription drug costs.

“"The name of this bill promises lower premiums for all Americans, but the reality is far from it," Rep. Sykes said. "It does nothing to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits or lower costs. With January 1 coming fast, costs will skyrocket if Congress doesn’t act. I voted no because families deserve real solutions, not political messaging." (Rep. Sykes, Press Release, December 17, 2025)”

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes supports meeting energy demands while developing clean energy technology. She advocates for policies that save money, create jobs, combat the climate crisis, and build clean energy infrastructure. Sykes voted against a resolution that would disrupt Ohio’s electric vehicle charger manufacturing industry and against H.R. 1435, stating it was to protect clean air, climate, and jobs.

Representative Emilia Sykes supports reproductive rights, citing the protection of personal medical decisions and the will of the voters. She voted against several measures, including H.R.26, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and H.R.8070, which would restrict servicemembers' access to abortion. She also opposed H.R.6914, the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, and a resolution to reverse Title IX protections. Reproductive Freedom for All endorsed Sykes for the 2026 midterm election.

““Roe v. Wade protected generations of women's right to make personal medical decisions for nearly 50 years. When it was overturned in 2022, fundamental rights were stripped away, and nearly four years later, women in Ohio and across the country are still under attack. Even after Ohio voters enshrined reproductive freedom in our state constitution in 2023, legal [...] will of the voters.” — U.S. Representative Sykes (OH-13), from a press release on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade (Jan. 22, 2026), via LegiStorm.”

Emilia Sykes voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, supporting pay raises for servicemembers, military construction, and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. She also supported a bipartisan defense spending package. Conversely, Sykes voted against the 2026 Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, citing concerns about funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement without accountability. She criticized the Trump Administration's military actions in Iran, asserting they lacked congressional authorization.

““I voted in favor of this bipartisan legislation that includes pay raises for all servicemembers and important funding for key military construction projects in Ohio,” said Rep. Sykes. “I’m disappointed that the majority used this bipartisan bill as an opportunity to play politics with our service members and their families. However, the legislation also includes expanded access to dental care through TRICARE, increased access to OBGYN and specialty care services, and improved access to nutritious foods on military bases.” (Rep. Sykes, Rep. Sykes Votes to Pass National Defense Authorization Act, September 11, 2025)”

Emilia Sykes advocates for a holistic approach to education, emphasizing quality public options from pre-K through higher education, regardless of zip code or ability. She supports affordable higher education and vocational training to reduce student loan debt. Sykes voted for the 2026 bipartisan spending package, which included a $170 million increase for Child Care and Head Start programs.

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes supports gun safety measures to protect communities from gun violence. She advocates for implementing universal background checks, enacting red flag laws, and banning assault weapons. Her commitment is to public safety and well-being, ensuring Ohioans do not live in fear of gun violence.