Move is seen as step towards run for Congress
State Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron, told Democratic members of the Ohio House this afternoon that she will be stepping down as House Minority Leader at the end of the month.
The move is likely prelude to a run for Congress next year, which would be a natural progression for Sykes, who is term-limited in the House.
Sykes’s political future has been a subject of considerable speculation over the past year or so. Noted as a rising star by Emily’s List and her home town daily, The Akron Beacon Journal, she passed on opportunities to run in this year’s special congressional election for the District 11 seat vacated when Marcia Fudge was confirmed as HUD Secretary. She also declined to seek a spot on next year’s statewide Democratic ticket to succeed retiring US Senator Rob Portman, R-Cincinnati, or a statewide executive office.
Sykes would be a formidable contestant for Congress, both in a primary, if she is challenged for the nomination, and in the general, if she captures the nomination. In addition to carrying a formidable political name in Greater Akron, she has been the most effective Democratic caucus leader in either House since the legendary former Speaker, Vern Riffe, even though Democrats have been the minority party the entire time. She was elected caucus leader in 2019.
An Akron native, Sykes attended Kent State University and later attended the University of Florida, where she earned both a law degree and a Master’s of Public Health.
Sykes is presently a member of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, so she may be running in a district whose lines she opposed. Her father, state Sen. Vern Sykes, is also a member of the commission.
The Ohio Supreme Court today heard oral arguments in several cases challenging the state legislative districts approved by the commission by straight 5-2 party line votes. The new congressional districts approved by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. DeWine are also the subject of lawsuits alleging multiple violations of constitutional and state law provisions.
Nonetheless, candidates in both parties are beginning to declare their intentions, even where there is uncertainty over the eventual shape of their districts.
The deadline to file for the state legislature is Feb. 2, 2022. The congressional filing deadline is March 4. The primary date for the state legislature, Congress, all statewide races, and many other public offices is May 3, 2022.
• • •• • •
