Republican candidate Carey Coleman used a small gathering at the Akron Press Club on Tuesday to outline his vision for Ohio’s 13th congressional district, which covers Summit County and parts of Portage and Stark counties. Coleman, a longtime radio host and meteorologist, said he wants to see the Akron‑Canton area thrive by increasing airline routes at the regional airport and ending the E‑Check requirements that affect small businesses in Northeast Ohio.
Local priorities over party politics
“I am not a puppet of a party,” Coleman told the handful of attendees. He emphasized a nonpartisan approach, promising to serve the district’s voters regardless of party affiliation. He contrasted himself with incumbent Democrat Rep. Emilia Sykes, calling her a career politician whose voting record he described as strictly party‑line and out of touch with Akron residents.
Infrastructure and job creation
In his opening remarks, Coleman highlighted regional infrastructure projects, including a proposal to use polymer‑enhanced asphalt for roads that can better withstand freeze‑thaw cycles. He suggested that federal incentives for highway construction could help fund the higher‑cost mix, framing it as a “quality‑of‑life issue” that would bring jobs back to the “Rubber City.”
Data centers, AI, and utility rates
Addressing concerns about the growing number of data centers in Summit County, Coleman said he opposes a blanket federal moratorium but supports local communities’ right to decide. He proposed legislation to limit utility rates near existing or proposed data centers and called for federal guardrails on artificial intelligence to prevent rogue behavior while preserving America’s competitive edge.
Trade, immigration, and cost of living
Coleman acknowledged the complex impact of tariffs, noting they can protect American jobs but also harm trade with Canada and Mexico. He linked rising gas, grocery, and goods prices to the ongoing conflict in Iran and to immigration, claiming that an influx of illegal immigrants competing for goods drives inflation. He urged a careful, case‑by‑case review of trade policy.
Support for essential services
When asked about Medicaid and supplemental food benefits, Coleman pledged not to support a disruptive government shutdown as a “party favor.” He said he would work with the Downtown Akron Development Corp. and other local groups to address community needs while recognizing the challenges of changing entitlement programs.
Election outlook
Coleman admitted the district leans Democratic but expressed confidence that a high voter turnout could produce a landslide victory for him. Early voting is available through Sunday, Nov. 1, with Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
