Republican Rep. Jim Jordan has endorsed Kevin Coughlin in Ohio's closely contested House race, boosting Coughlin in his quest to unseat Democratic incumbent Rep. Emilia Sykes.
Jordan's endorsement underscores the significance of this contest as a Republican target in the upcoming midterms, as the Daily Caller reports.
The congressman, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, announced his support for Coughlin on Thursday. The announcement comes in the midst of a politically charged competition for Ohio's 13th Congressional District. This district gained attention in the last presidential election when Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly edged out Donald Trump, indicating its potential as a battleground.
Coughlin, the only Republican declared in the race so far, previously challenged Sykes in 2024, where he lost by a narrow margin of fewer than 10,000 votes. His campaign this year seeks to overturn that result, armed with Jordan's endorsement.
In his campaign, Coughlin has been critical of Sykes, accusing her of putting party priorities above constituent needs. He cites her voting record on several key issues, such as government shutdowns and efforts to establish a NASA facility in Northeast Ohio, as evidence of what he views as her failure to address district interests.
Coughlin remarked on Sykes' decisions in office, stating, "In the first days of her second term, she voted to shut down the government and refused to join bipartisan efforts to bring the NASA headquarters -- and thousands of jobs -- to Northeast Ohio."
The Cook Political Report has recognized Sykes' seat as one of the top ten "toss-up" districts for Democrats. This rating signifies the race's potential volatility and the likelihood of a fierce contest in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has targeted Sykes, among 26 total Democrats, in its efforts to gain seats in 2026. Launching a digital ad campaign, the NRCC accused Sykes and fellow Democrats of opposing a GOP budget intended to enhance border security and prolong Trump-era tax cuts.
Additionally, Coughlin emphasized the importance of supporting Trump, noting, "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's statements reflect the campaign's broader themes of safety and standing with Republican leadership. Sykes has been actively involved in her own campaign activities, including forming a joint fundraising committee with firebrand Democrat Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Ohio's political landscape may face further shifts depending on possible mid-decade redistricting, which could significantly alter district demographics. This adds another layer of complexity to an already dynamic contest, potentially impacting the strategies of incumbents and challengers alike. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other prominent Republicans had supported Coughlin in his previous run against Sykes. This Republican unity could stand as an influential factor in the race.
Expressing gratitude for the support from his fellow Republicans, Coughlin said, "I’m honored by Congressman Jordan’s support, and by the unity Republicans in Ohio are demonstrating behind our campaign." He remarked on the need for principled individuals in Congress, highlighting Jordan as an example of such leadership.
Coughlin's campaign is expected to continue focusing on local issues, party alignment, and presenting himself as an alternative to Sykes' alignment with the Democratic Party. The race will likely remain a focal point for both parties as they prepare for the upcoming midterms.
As the only declared candidate from his party, Coughlin will carry the Republican banner with a clear endorsement from a significant party member. The race in Ohio's 13th congressional district thus remains one of the key areas to watch as the political tide shifts toward election season.
