Ohio House of Representatives
Sykes first served in the House of Representatives in 1983, and served until 2000, when he faced term limits. He was replaced in 2001 by his wife, Barbara Sykes.
In 2006, Barbara Sykes decided to run for state auditor, and Vernon sought the seat again. First facing Patrick Bravo in the Democratic primary, he won with 77.64% of the vote. While heavily favored, Sykes faced DUI charges during the primary election campaign, somewhat dampening his chances. He won the general election against Joseph D. Crawford with 80.78% of the vote.
In his first reelection campaign, Sykes ran unopposed. In the 128th General Assembly, Speaker of the House Armond Budish appointed Sykes as Chairman of the House Finance Committee.
With the 2010 election, Sykes won a third term over Republican Josh Sines and Libertarian Kurtis Liston by taking 77.66% of the vote. With the Democrats again in the minority, Sykes serves on the committees of Finance and Appropriations (as ranking member), Local Government, and State Government and Elections.
Sykes won reelection in 2012, defeating his opponent Ronya Jeanette Habash and earning over 80% of the vote.
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