State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, an Akron lawmaker currently serving her first term, was chosen Wednesday as assistant Democratic whip in a caucus-wide vote in Columbus.
“I feel honored to serve my colleagues, constituents and fellow Ohioans in this leadership position,” Sykes said in a news release. “I am eager to work together to show our state that we find strength in our differences and that we realize opportunity and unity from our diversity.”
Sykes defeated Republican Gene Littlefield Nov. 8 in the race to represent the 34th District the 132nd General Assembly.
She succeeds state Rep. Jack Cera (D-Bellaire) as assistant whip. The Democrats said Cera will continue to play a role in the party’s leadership as caucus dean.
State Rep. Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) was re-elected to the highest minority leadership position, House Democratic leader.
Also re-elected to their leadership roles were Assistant Democratic Leader Nicholas J. Celebrezze (D-Parma) and Democratic Whip Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood).