NEW OH-13 POLL: Emilia Sykes in a very vulnerable position

A new poll reported by National Journal shows extreme Democrat Emilia Sykes is in a very vulnerable position as her image is lackluster and Republican nominee Kevin Coughlin is gaining ground in Ohio’s Thirteenth Congressional District.

“Emilia Sykes is now visibly anxious about her chances of reelection, and she has nobody to blame but herself for her wildly out of touch policies. Kevin Coughlin’s support is growing because voters know he will bring common sense back to Ohio, secure the border, safeguard communities and stand up for the voters of Ohio’s Thirteenth Congressional District.” – NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella

Read more from National Journal here or see excerpts below:

New poll shows tight race in OH-13
National Journal
James Downs
August 12, 2024

A new Republican poll in one of the most competitive House districts in the country shows a close battle in Akron, Ohio.

A Cygnal survey commissioned by the National Republican Congressional Committee and former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin, the GOP nominee, found Coughlin statistically tied with freshman Democratic Rep. Emilia Sykes.

With leaners, Sykes came in at 44 percent, while Coughlin was at 40 percent. Nearly 14 percent remained undecided. Sykes had a favorability rating of 31 percent, while 24 percent had not heard of her and 21 percent had no opinion. The poll, one of the first public House-race surveys since President Biden stepped away from his campaign, was in the field July 28-30 and surveyed 400 likely general-election voters. It had a margin of error of 4.89 percent. The generic ballot was a dead heat, 46 percent apiece, with 7 percent unsure.

The Sykes name is a large driver of her success, Democrats say. Members of her family represented the area in the Ohio statehouse for four decades. Republicans contend the brand isn’t that strong in an increasingly red state.

The battle for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District will be one of the most expensive races in the country this year, and all major House spenders have a vested interest in the seat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic-aligned House Majority PAC have reserved more than $4.8 million in the Cleveland media market combined.

[…]

“I’m actually quite satisfied with the support we’re getting from D.C.,” Coughlin told National Journal in an interview at the Republican National Convention in June. “We’re going to be able to get our message out, and that’s the key.”

[…]

But the former state senator didn’t seem bothered by the challenge. “Of course, it’s my job on the ground to make that voter contact with people so that they have that connection and they want to land on me,” Coughlin told National Journal at the RNC when asked about the race.

“I don’t mind being a sleeper.”

Read more here.