Jeff Furr
Republican | Ohio
Candidate Profile
Leans Originalist
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Jeff Furr
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
Court of Appeals, District 5 - Hoffman seat
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University, College of Engineering, Columbus, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Informational Science, 1978-1984
Capital University, Bexley, MBA, 1987-1989
Capital University, Bexley, Juris Doctor, Law Degree, 1990-1993
Capital Unveristy, Bexley, LLM in Taxation, 1994-1996
WORK & MILITARY
Army National Guard, Personnel Management Specialist 5, 1978-2024
AFFILIATIONS
Federalist Sociaty, member, 2022-2026
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Johnstown City Council, 2001-2007
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Judge, 5th District Court of Appeals, Ohio, 2026-
ENDORSEMENTS
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (1)
Zanesville Patriots
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (6)
Ben Weber (2025)
Brian Lorenz (2025)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2025)
Beth Lear (2024)
Joe Blystone (2022)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (1)
We Are Ohio (2011)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (2)
Log Cabin Republicans (2006)
Ohio Education Association (2006)
OTHER INFORMATION
Richland Source, March 2024 article, 3 vie for Feb. 9, 2025 term on Court of Appeals,
When prompted to declare a position on judicial activism, he stated, “Judges should interpret the law and not make the law, therefore I do not believe in judicial activism."
When asked what the primary role of an appeals judge is, he responded, “I feel the primary role is to provide people with a chance to have their cases reviewed and to ensure the law is applied properly.”
When asked what case profoundly affected him, he cited Marbury v. Madison, noting it established the doctrine of judicial review by declaring an act of Congress unconstitutional.
Jeff Furr's 2020 Judicial Votes Count candidate questionnaire. He said he wants to “interpret the law fairly, with justice and the American way.” Asked about his qualifying experience for the role of a judge, he listed his legal practice and stated that “I know that it is a judges job is to interpret the law and not to make it.”
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Was Dobbs v. Jackson rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: In Dobbs, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the federal constitution does not confer a right to abortion.)
Yes, the right to privacy is not based on the Constitution.
Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
No, the right to assisted suicide is not a fundamental liberty interest protected by the Due Process Clause since its practice has been, and continues to be, offensive to our national traditions and practices.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Life begins at conception and needs to be protected until a natural death.
How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
I view the judiciary's role is to protect life and follow the Dobbs ruling.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Do you believe religious liberty is at risk in the United States. If so, what is the judiciary's proper role in addressing this issue?
Yes, I personally believe religious liberty is at risk. The judiciary's role is the follow the 1st Amendment and protect religious liberty.
Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
The Establishment Clause allows for the nation's religious heritage as we are a Christian nation.
Was Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held tha the state may not show religious hostility when enforcing anti-discrimination laws against a business owner.)
Yes, the state cannot show clear and impermissible hostility toward his religious beliefs.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
The burden of proof in a criminal case is generally that the state must provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Some say the reason the burden of proof is so high is because we greatly value ensuring that the innocent are not unjustly imprisoned. Please comment on this topic.
The burden is set by law. A judge should follow what the law says on the burden of proof.
When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
In a wrongful conviction claims, a judge should review the case to see if there is a wrongful conviction. The remedies should be set by law.
2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
It is one of the most important rights in the Bill of Rights. As an NRA member, I believe that people have the right to bear arms for hunting, shooting and personal protection. The Second Amendment is important to keep the United States free.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
The three brands of government are equal but I believe that Congress was intended to wield the most authority. It reflects the will of the people who hires the congressmen.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
My judicial philosophy is that judges should interpret to laws and not make them. I am a Constitutional Conservative.
Do you believe judges should primarily apply the law according to its original public meaning, or do you believe the law evolves over time to reflect contemporary values?
As a Constitutional Conservative I believe in applying the law according to its original public meaning.
Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
Justice Antonin Scalia.
Was Obergefell v. Hodges rightly decided according to the text of the Constitution? Please explain. (Holding: The U.S. Supreme Court held Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses create a right for same-sex couples to marry.)
No. In my personal opinion it was not.
A. How should a judge approach a case where the constitutional or statutory text is clear on its face? B. Conversely, how should a judge proceed when the text is ambiguous or silent on a disputed issue?
A. A judge should approach the case following the constitutional or statutory text since it is clear. B. A judge should proceed where the text is ambiguous by researching to find out what the framers intended when the text was written.
What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
I am a strong believer of judicial restraint. Judicial restraint is where the judge calls balls and strikes. If you want activism don't be a judge. Judicial activism is where the judge wants to make the rules and laws.
What is the proper role of a judge?
I believe the proper role of a judge is the interpret the law, to rule fairly, to listen and to be approachable.
When applying or interpreting the text of a statute or constitutional provision, is it ever proper for a judge to consider present day public opinion or consequences?
No, It is not proper.
If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
If precedent departs from the Constitution's text the judge must correct the error as a judge must follow the Constitution.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No.
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
2016 Republican Primary 2016 General Election 2018 Republican Primary 2018 General Election 2020 Republican Primary 2020 General Election 2022 Republican Primary 2022 General Election 2024 Republican Primary 2024 General Election
It is important as an American to exercise your right to vote.
VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I believe in Jesus Christ having been raised in a Christian Family. I believe that the Constitution is divinely inspired and that our laws are based on the ten commandments.
What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
I believe that parent's have rights under the Constitution in their upbringing of their children, especially dealing with education and sexual identity.
Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
No. As a Constitutional Conservative I do not see anywhere in the constitution that would give protected class based on gender identity.
