This Ohio Democrat Is Building a War Chest to Hold Her Seat In a Top Competitive District

Rep. Emilia Sykes has $1.1 million cash on hand, according to figures shared with NOTUS.

Rep. Emilia Sykes at a hearing.

Rep. Emilia Sykes is running for reelection in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images

Democratic Rep. Emilia Sykes’ Ohio seat is a top target for Republicans this cycle. But with a healthy bankroll, a slight redistricting advantage and no clear Republican frontrunner, her campaign is feeling optimistic.

For her reelection bid in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District, Sykes raised $471,000 in the fourth quarter and has $1.1 million in cash on hand, according to figures shared with NOTUS. She’s raised $1.6 million so far in the cycle, with donations averaging around $21.

“Folks are paying attention, and they want to send her back,” said a strategist for the Sykes campaign who requested anonymity to discuss campaign strategy.