6 GOP Candidates Vie for Ohio's 13th District Seat

After Republican Kevin Coughlin withdrew, a crowded primary field emerges to challenge Democratic Rep. Emilia Sykes.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A crowded Republican primary field has emerged in the race for Ohio's 13th Congressional District after the party's most recent candidate for the seat, Kevin Coughlin, bowed out of an anticipated rematch with U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron. Six Republicans have filed to run in the May 5 primary, including Briem, Caudill, Coleman, Drakovac, Patel, and Siembida.

Why it matters

The 13th District was redrawn in 2025 to favor Democrats by 3-4%, prompting Coughlin's withdrawal. The new boundaries keep Akron and Canton together while adding Kent, home of Kent State University. This sets up a potentially competitive general election between the Republican primary winner and incumbent Democrat Emilia Sykes.

The details

The six Republican candidates include Briem, a California native living in Ohio for 20 years with military intelligence experience; Caudill, a Springfield Township Trustee and local business owner; Coleman, a former radio host and TV meteorologist; Drakovac, who describes himself as a "different type of Republican"; Patel, who focuses on natural resources, women's empowerment, and healthcare access; and Siembida, the mayor of Leetonia Village in the neighboring 6th Congressional District.

  • The filing deadline for the 13th District Republican primary was 4 p.m. on February 4, 2026.
  • The 13th District Republican primary will be held on May 5, 2026.

The players

Emilia Sykes

The incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative for Ohio's 13th Congressional District, running unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Kevin Coughlin

The Republican candidate who previously ran against Sykes in 2024 but withdrew from the 2026 race after the district was redrawn to favor Democrats.

Briem

A Republican candidate originally from California who has lived in Ohio for the past 20 years, with experience in military intelligence.

Caudill

A Republican candidate and Springfield Township Trustee who also owns local businesses including Melanie Lake and Bob's Hamburgers.

Coleman

A Republican candidate and former radio talk show host and TV meteorologist.

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What they’re saying

“Having been through a tough 2024 campaign I know how this story ends and what this means in terms of fundraising and national support. I cannot ask our supporters to continue to invest their time and treasure into this race.”

— Kevin Coughlin

“I was shocked to see the final map.”

— Emilia Sykes

What’s next

The winner of the May 5th Republican primary will face off against incumbent Democrat Emilia Sykes in the November 2026 general election for Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

The takeaway

The redrawn 13th District in Ohio has set up a potentially competitive general election race, with a crowded field of Republican candidates vying for the chance to challenge the incumbent Democrat Emilia Sykes in November.