Jim Jordan Backs Key Candidate in Ohio Race

Clear Facts

• Jim Jordan has endorsed Republican candidate Kevin Coughlin in a key Ohio House race against Democratic incumbent Emilia Sykes.
• Coughlin narrowly lost to Sykes in the 2024 election and is the only declared Republican candidate for the upcoming rematch.
• The race is considered a “toss-up” and is one of the top targets for House Republicans in the midterms.

Ohio Representative Jim Jordan has thrown his support behind Kevin Coughlin in a pivotal House race, aiming to unseat Democratic incumbent Emilia Sykes. Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, announced his endorsement for Coughlin, an Ohio businessman and former state senator, as he prepares for a rematch against Sykes.

Coughlin is the sole Republican candidate in the race so far, having narrowly lost to Sykes in the 2024 election by less than 10,000 votes. The upcoming contest is seen as a prime opportunity for Republicans to gain a seat in the House.

“Kevin Coughlin is exactly the kind of guy we need in the United States Congress,” Jordan stated. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling campaign promises, adding, “That’s what Kevin does. That’s why I am supporting him, and that’s why the voters should support him.”

The race for Ohio’s 13th congressional district is particularly competitive, with the district having the closest presidential election result in the nation. Former Vice President Kamala Harris won over President Donald Trump by a razor-thin margin.

Coughlin has criticized Sykes for prioritizing Democratic Party agendas over the needs of her constituents. In his campaign announcement, he accused her of voting to shut down the government and opposing bipartisan efforts to bring jobs to Northeast Ohio.

“We need a Member of Congress who will stand with President Trump to fight for our community, our safety and to provide reliable leadership with real solutions,” Coughlin declared.

The seat held by Sykes is one of ten “toss-up” districts identified by the Cook Political Report. The Ohio state legislature’s upcoming redistricting could alter the district’s demographics, potentially swaying it in favor of one party.

Sykes, who first won her seat in 2022, is among 26 Democrats targeted for defeat in 2026. A digital ad campaign has already been launched against Sykes and other Democrats for opposing a GOP budget plan that includes significant border security funding and tax cut extensions.

Sykes recently faced scrutiny for forming a joint fundraising committee with Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

Expressing gratitude for Jordan’s endorsement, Coughlin said, “I’m honored by Congressman Jordan’s support, and by the unity Republicans in Ohio are demonstrating behind our campaign.” He praised Jordan as a “steady, constructive, conservative voice” and underscored the need for principled leaders in Congress.

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