WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just like college freshmen, incoming members of Congress have an orientation week, too.

Dozens of the newly elected lawmakers arrived in D.C. last week to take a class photo and begin learning how to do the job they will officially start in January.

Two Democrats will be among the new members of Ohio’s delegation in the next Congress.

Cincinnati City Councilman Greg Landsman beat Republican Rep. Steve Chabot in a closely watched race. Landsman argued voters in southwest Ohio are tired of chaos in government.

“They want normal folks who are working together and getting things done. And I think ultimately, that mattered most,” Landsman told Spectrum News in an interview on Capitol Hill last week.

State Rep. Emilia Sykes defeated Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert in a competitive race for an open seat in Northeast Ohio. Sykes argued she was more connected to the district, and that Gilbert was too extreme.

“Folks just decided they wanted someone who was going to fight for them, who was going to work for them on day one, who was going to put their ego aside and do what was best for this community,” Sykes told Spectrum News in a separate Capitol Hill interview last week.

Sykes and Landsman spent orientation week in meetings on The Hill and at the hotel they were staying in, learning the ins and outs of running a congressional office and casting votes on the House floor.

“I really want to be part of a majority that restores an expanded Child Tax Credit because that helps millions of families, including tens of thousands in our district, pay their bills,” Landsman said.

Sykes said one of her main focuses is the newly drawn 13th Congressional District, which shifted west from the Mahoning Valley to be centered in Summit County.

“I know a lot of people in Ohio 13 have not had a congressperson that has lived in their county or even close or nearby, so we are taking in all of the ways in which we can reconnect and connect our communities to this office,” Sykes said.

They will take office right as Republicans retake the majority in the House, meaning Sykes and Landsman will have to work across the aisle if they want to see any part of their legislative agendas become law.

Both said lowering the cost of living is a top priority.

Landsman thinks his time on the city council has helped him learn how to get things done for voters without partisan bickering.

“So I think it’s picking a few big issues that are going to really help families and communities and finding a majority—hopefully that’s a bipartisan majority—to get those things passed,” he said.

Sykes hopes her experience as minority leader in the Ohio Statehouse will help her navigate being in the minority in Congress.

“It doesn’t matter who is in control of the chamber or who holds the gavel. What I know is the people of Ohio 13 will get my utmost attention,” she said.

The 118th Congress will be sworn-in on Jan. 3.