Sykes Holds Akron Seat Against Republican Challenger

Emilia Sykes kept her congressional seat for Ohio's 13th District on Tuesday. She defeated Republican challenger Carey Coleman in a race covering Akron and parts of Summit, Stark, and Portage counties.

The Associated Press called the victory for Sykes around 8 p.m. Only about 30% of precincts had reported at that time.

The campaign centered on how national policy affects local costs. Both candidates discussed the war in Iran, immigration enforcement, and the economic impact of new data centers.

Sykes criticized President Donald Trump's military strategy in the Middle East. She stated that she voted five times to end what she called a reckless war of choice.

"The administration has refused to talk to Congress and explain why we are there and what his strategy is to get us out," Sykes said.

Coleman argued that voters should offer him a chance to break a 50-year streak of Democratic control in the district. He made this point during an October forum at the Akron Press Club.

Sykes first won the seat in 2022. She previously served in the Ohio House as minority leader for District 34.

The district boundaries changed in 2025 during a mid-cycle redistricting process. The Republican-led commission adopted a map that made the 13th District slightly more favorable to Democrats.

Sykes praised Coleman for entering the race. She said, "Our democracy works best when we have people fully engaged and participating."