National Republicans have targeted Democratic U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes in 2026, but the redraw of Ohio's congressional map has complicated the GOP's chances of winning her Akron-based seat. Five Republicans are running against Sykes, including retired Akron businesswoman Margaret Briem, Northfield radio host Carey Coleman, Copley economic developer Niranjan “Neil” Patel, Akron physician Sanjin Drakovac, and Kevin Siembida, the mayor of Leetonia in Columbiana County. The district includes all of Summit County and parts of Stark and Portage counties. All five challengers start at a significant financial disadvantage to Sykes. Briem criticizes Sykes for not doing enough to bring jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities to the district.