Roughly 200 residents gathered at a Canton union hall Tuesday to hear from U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron), who represents Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. But Sykes cautioned that new political maps could put her seat—and her constituents’ representation—at risk.
Ohio lawmakers must redraw the state’s congressional map later this year after the previous one, passed along party lines, was struck down. With Republicans under pressure from the Trump administration to create more favorable districts, Sykes told the crowd she expects to be a target.
“I have always been the apple of the eye of the Republicans in this congressional seat,” she said, pointing to the nearly $50 million spent across the last two campaigns. The event, covered by the Ohio Capital Journal, also notes that she said both her seat and that of Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) are prime GOP targets.
Sykes warned that redistricting could once again divide Akron and Canton across multiple districts, diluting local influence. “None of them lived in this area,” she recalled of past maps. “We got what was left over in terms of their time, their attention, the resources they were willing to send here, and it showed.”
The congresswoman highlighted her anti-corruption legislation, her role on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and her oversight of the Intel project in Licking County. She also pushed back against Vice President JD Vance’s recent characterization of Akron and Canton as “lawless.”
The town hall featured questions on Medicaid, immigration, policing, and renewable energy. Bill Wyss, caring for his mother with advanced dementia, raised concerns about the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could restrict Medicaid eligibility for seniors. “It is going to be bad,” Sykes warned, expressing concern for families forced to spend down their savings.
On immigration, Sykes criticized congressional inaction, pointing to Trump’s role in derailing a bipartisan Senate deal last year. Local resident Jodi Roberts, who sponsored a Ukrainian family under a humanitarian parole program, said the family is thriving but faces uncertainty as their status renewal lingers.
Outside, protesters criticized Sykes over her acceptance of pro-Israel donations, though inside, most constituents voiced concerns about preserving healthcare, fair maps, and accountable governance.
