Canton Reporter

Emilia Sykes, a U.S. House Representative, said she joined 57 of their Democrat colleagues in voting against a House resolution to honor the life of Charlie Kirk. This statement was made on X.

According to H.Res. 719 (119th Congress), it is the House resolution honoring the life and legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk. It condemns his assassination and “all forms of political violence,” extends condolences to his family, and praises his advocacy and civic engagement. The resolution further “calls upon all Americans, regardless of race, party affiliation, or creed, to reject political violence, recommit to respectful debate, uphold American values, and respect one another as fellow Americans.”

House Clerk’s Roll Call 282 reported H.Res. 719 passed with 310 members voting in favor, 58 against, 38 voting “present,” and 26 not voting. The Clerk’s website provides the complete list of names, party affiliations, states, and how each member voted. This record is the authoritative source for identifying which members opposed the resolution and for localizing results to each member’s state district.

Reuters reported that on September 19, 2025, the House approved the Kirk resolution by a bipartisan vote of 310–58, with 95 Democrats joining 215 Republicans in support. The report emphasized divisions among Democrats, with some opposing the measure over concerns about praising Kirk’s political legacy despite agreement on condemning political violence. Reuters’ coverage provides a national perspective that aligns with the official vote totals published by the Clerk of the House.

According to ABC News, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among 22 additional Democrats who skipped the vote on H.Res. 719, described as having “walked out” before the measure came to the floor. The article also noted that the Senate separately passed a resolution designating a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. This account adds procedural context to the House vote by highlighting notable absences. 

Representative Emilia Sykes grew up in Akron, Ohio, and was elected in 2022 to serve Ohio’s 13th Congressional District as a Democrat.  Before joining Congress, she served eight years in the Ohio House of Representatives—rising to Minority Leader—and built a legislative record centered on bipartisan cooperation, economic opportunity, and health care access.