Republicans blast Sykes for voting against appropriations bill

Republicans are blasting Democratic U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes for voting against the fiscal 2026 appropriations bill, which would send millions in tax dollars to northeast Ohio.

The measure includes five full-year appropriations bills, including funding for the transportation, education, defense, and state departments.

The measure also included a two-week continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security, which is under Democratic scrutiny amid ongoing immigration enforcement nationwide and following the shooting deaths of two people in Minneapolis amid protests.

Republicans also blasted Sykes for vacationing in the Virgin Islands with members of the “Squad,” including Democratic U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Jasmine Crockett of Texas. They also accused Sykes of exploring Los Angeles with former Vice President and failed presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

“Socialist Squad Sykes continues to make it abundantly clear that she doesn’t give a rat’s ass about Northeast Ohio,” National Republican Congressional Committee Spokesman Zach Bannon said in a statement. “Vacationing with her liberal lunatic best friends while voting against funding for the district is a slap in face to hardworking Ohioans.”

The funding package included $8.65 million for local projects throughout Northeast Ohio, including $1.5 million for the Ohio & Erie Canal Restoration in Stark County, $1.2 million for the Downtown Akron’s Main Street Project, and $1 million for the Tallmadge Circle Pedestrian Tunnel in Tallmadge.

“The Senate attached a DHS stopgap, even for just two weeks, without any credible or transparent steps taken by President Trump or Secretary Noem to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement or prevent further loss of life,” Sykes said in a statement.

Republicans have frequently targeted Sykes, believing that her 13th Congressional District seat is vulnerable.

Political observers initially thought state legislators might draw a district less favorable for Sykes during last year’s redistricting. However, the final iteration of the new district is less unfavorable to Sykes than some initially thought.

According to Ballotpedia, in November, Sykes is expected to face independent Sandeep Dixit and the winner of a crowded Republican primary. Ballotpedia lists six candidates vying for the nomination.