Updated Feb. 4, 2026, 5:54 p.m. ET
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 bowed out of an anticipated rematch with U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron.
Six Republicans filed to run in the May 5 primary. The filing deadline was 4 p.m. Feb. 4. Sykes is running unopposed in the Democratic primary. Candidates for the race file with the Summit County Board of Elections because it is the district’s most populous county.
The 13th District was redrawn in 2025 to favor Democrats by a 3% to 4% margin, prompting Republican Kevin Coughlin to withdraw. He battled Sykes for the seat in 2024, coming within striking distance. Previously, it had been classified as one of the few tossup districts in the country, being split nearly 50/50 along party lines.
The district’s new boundary keeps Akron and Canton together while adding Kent, home of Kent State University.
“Having been through a tough 2024 campaign I know how this story ends and what this means in terms of fundraising and national support,” Coughlin said. “I cannot ask our supporters to continue to invest their time and treasure into this race.”
Sykes said she was “shocked to see the final map.”
Here are the six Republicans who have filed to run in the primary.
Margaret Briem
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Briem, originally from California, has lived in Ohio for the past 20 years, first in Stark County, then in Summit County, her campaign website said. The website states she was assigned to the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Lewis, Washington, where she “had firsthand access to documents showing that at times our government worked against the best interests and wellbeing of the American people.”
Her priorities, according to her website, include increasing manufacturing and development, returning life skills classes like shop and personal finance to schools, building a stronger military and more.
Jeremy Caudill
Caudill is a Springfield Township Trustee elected in 2023. He owns Melanie Lake, formerly Lake Kim Tam Park, Ohio Championship Wrestling and Bob’s Hamburgers.
He ran on a business friendly platform during his campaign for trustee and is the Springfield Lakemore Chamber of Commerce president.
Carey Coleman
Coleman is a former radio talk show host for WNIR-FM and television meteorologist who announced he was stepping away from the radio duties to run for Congress.
His campaign website states, “Carey believes Congress must return to fiscal discipline, energy independence, strong national security, and policies that reward work, entrepreneurship, and family stability. He supports secure borders, defending constitutional freedoms, standing with law enforcement, and ensuring parents, not bureaucrats, have a strong voice in their children’s education.”
Sanjin Drakovac
Drakovac, according to his campaign website, is running as, “A different type of Republican that can appeal to conservatives, moderates and liberals.”
His summarized list of policy positions include low cost universal health care, “light gun control,” strong southern border control and fighting climate change.
“My ideas are focused and centered around helping all Americans have the best quality of life they can and to preserve a pro-America stance,” his campaign website said.
Neil Patel
Patel’s campaign website outlines his support for protecting Ohio’s natural resources, empowering women, ensuring healthcare access to residents and more.
“Neil is committed to addressing the most pressing challenges facing our state,” the website said. “His approach is rooted in common-sense solutions, fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to the families and communities of Ohio. Explore his positions on the key issues below to learn more about his vision for a stronger, more prosperous future.”
Kevin Siembida
Siembida is the Leetonia Village mayor, elected to the post in 2015. The village is in Columbiana County — in the 6th Congressional District. Republican Rep. Michael Rulli currently holds the 6th District seat and is seeking reelection.
There is no rule preventing an Ohio resident from running to represent U.S. Congress in a state district that they do not reside in.
Siembida’s platform “is one that promotes economic opportunity, public safety, supporting families and veterans as well as restoring trust between voters and elected officials,” the East Liverpool-based Review Online said.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
