Kevin Coughlin enters GOP race for 13th District in Congress against Chris Banweg

Former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin is joining the March Republican primary race for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Coughlin, of Bath Township, will face off against fellow Republican and Hudson City Councilman Chris Banweg in the race for Ohio's 13th District. The winner would face Democratic incumbent Rep. Emilia Sykes of Akron.

Coughlin posted a video on X late Sunday night teasing his decision to run.

In an email to the Beacon Journal, Coughlin said he had taken a long break from politics so that he and his wife could raise their children and open and run several small businesses.

"But, we are lacking responsible political leadership in this country, and I am running for Congress to get us focused on the issues that people care about most: inflation and everyday expenses, job creation, the immigration crisis, crime, and standing up to China," he said.

Coughlin said Republicans will need a candidate with a winning track record to win the toss-up seat against a Democratic incumbent.

"Voters in Summit County have elected me seven times, all in tough competitive races," he said.

From 2001 to 2011, Coughlin represented Ohio's 27th District in the Ohio Senate. He also served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1997 to 2000.

Coughlin is currently the president and owner of Lexington Companies, LTD. According to its website, "Lexington Companies works with business, nonprofits, and political entities to provide strategic policy, communications, and management counsel."

Bryan Williams, chairman of the Summit County Republican Party, has endorsed Coughlin in the race.

Coughlin's primary opponent, Hudson City Councilman Chris Banweg, — who has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio — issued a statement Monday morning following Coughlin's Twitter video.

Banweg's campaign highlighted his military service and experience as a business executive, casting Coughlin as a "career politician and political consultant." The Ohio Democratic Party issued a statement as well, hitting Coughlin on his positions on Medicare, Social Security and workers' rights. Party spokesman Matt Keyes said Coughlin's "out-of-touch" positions will cost him the race.

Sykes was elected to the 13th District seat in 2022, defeating Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert.

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kevin Coughlin joins GOP field seeking to defeat Rep. Emilia Sykes