LEETONIA, Ohio - Leetonia Mayor Kevin Siembida has announced that he will be running for Congress in 2026.

Siembida will be running to represent Ohio's 13th District as a Republican against incumbent Democratic candidate Emilia Sykes. In addition to his role as mayor, Siembida is a U.S. Army veteran, as well as a small business owner.

"I grew up here. I worked here. I am raising my family here. I've watched too many towns in our region struggle while Washington politicians argue and do nothing. I'm running because this district needs someone who understands what Northeast Ohio has been through and is willing to fight for its future," Siembida said in a press release announcing his candidacy.

Siembida enlisted in the Army at 18 and served eight years as a Paratrooper, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. He received multiple honors, including a Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

After returning home, Siembida earned a Political Science and Economics degree from Youngstown State University before being elected to serve as Mayor of Leetonia.

Siembida founded a construction business in Northeast Ohio and has worked on residential and commercial redevelopment projects, including the development of the Wurster Memorial Splash Pad in Leetonia.

Siembida says his campaign will focus on economic opportunity, public safety, supporting police and veterans and restoring trust between voters and their elected officials.

"I'm not running to be a career politician. I'm running to do the job, serve this district and make sure Northeast Ohio has a real voice in Congress," Siembida said.