Who Is Running in Ohio Congressional District 13th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Emilia Sykes
(Incumbent)Economy
MediumEmilia Sykes supports economic policies aimed at creating good-paying jobs and reducing everyday costs for families. She advocates for bipartisan budget solutions, including expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and reinstating the Child Tax Credit. Sykes voted for the bipartisan "Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; Defense; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026," which invests in public services, infrastructure, and health. She also works to bring funding from the CHIPS and Science Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Northeast Ohio.
Immigration
HighEmilia 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.
Healthcare
HighEmilia 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.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Emilia Sykes |
|---|---|
| Economy | Emilia Sykes supports economic policies aimed at creating good-paying jobs and reducing everyday costs for families. She advocates for bipartisan budget solutions, including expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and reinstating the Child Tax Credit. Sykes voted for the bipartisan "Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies; Defense; Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026," which invests in public services, infrastructure, and health. She also works to bring funding from the CHIPS and Science Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Northeast Ohio. Medium |
| Immigration | 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. High |
| Healthcare | 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. High |
| Climate & Energy | 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. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | 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. High |
| Foreign Policy | 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. High |
| Education | 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. Medium |
| Gun Policy | 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. Low |
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