David R. Shelvey
Non-Partisan | Washington
Candidate Profile
Activist
BIOGRAPHY
Name
David R. Shelvey
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
Primary
Race
Justice of the Supreme Court, Seat 7
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, Lansing, Juris Doctor, 2012
City University of Seattle, Seattle, MBA, 2013
WORK & MILITARY
Army Reserve, E3, 1 (Honorable discharge)
AFFILIATIONS
Temple Beth El, Usher and cook, Fraternal Order of Eagles Tacoma Aeries #3
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
None
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
None
OTHER INFORMATION
On the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms, Shelvey stated, “It’s the law. We as citizens of the state of Washington are allowed to have concealed permits. We are allowed to have concealed weapons. Unless the legislature changes that law, I will follow the law.”
Shelvey stated regarding his views on homosexuality that “the United States Supreme Court has said not to discriminate it's the law and I will follow the law.”
Shelvey stated in a 2024 campaign YouTube video during his campaign for the Washington Supreme Court that the justice he most identified with was Ruth Bader Ginsburg, explaining, “As a woman, she met challenges and took action. She had a fierce determination to accomplish her dreams and achieve justice for others. Her inspiration was to stop discrimination and ensure equal justice for each person. I also want to make sure that each person in Washington is treated fairly and equally, like RBG did.”
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.)
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Does the federal Constitution support the right to physician assisted suicide? Please explain in light of Washington v. Glucksberg (1997).
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Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
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How do you view the judiciary’s role in matters of abortion regulation following Dobbs?
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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?
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Does the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment require government to be strictly secular or does it allow for the nation's religious heritage?
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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.)
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VALUES
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
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What is your understanding of parental rights under the Constitution regarding the upbringing of children, particularly regarding choices about education and sexual identity?
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Is gender identity a protected class under the Constitution? Please explain the constitutional basis for your view.
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ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
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Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
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I voted in these primaries and general elections:
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JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
Describe your judicial philosophy.
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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?
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Which current or past U.S. Supreme Court justice best reflects your judicial philosophy?
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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.)
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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?
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What is your view of judicial restraint versus judicial activism? How do you define each?
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What is the proper role of a judge?
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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?
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If precedent departs from the Constitution’s text or original meaning, should a judge follow it or correct the error? Please explain.
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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.
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When reviewing wrongful conviction claims, what role, if any, should judges play in determining remedies?
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2ND AMENDMENT
What is your understanding of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms?
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OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
Which branch of government do you believe was intended to wield the most authority?
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